Close Encounter With a Prickly Soccer Ball: An Injury From an Indian Crested Porcupine

Abstract

The Indian crested porcupine, Hystrix indica, is a large rodent with the unique feature of long quills. These quills are an integral part of its defense mechanism against predators. Injuries resulting from human contact with quills may cause pain, bleeding, and swelling. Quill-related injuries are common among animals such as dogs, cats, and some wild animals. The mechanism of injury, consequences, and management of injuries to humans from H indica quills are rarely described. In this report, we describe the injuries and management of a man who sustained injury from H indica quills.

Interspecific Aggressions between Crested Porcupines and Roe Deer

“…Therefore, in warm months, porcupines may compete for food with native ungulates feeding in open areas, e.g., the roe deer, also in Italy [35][36][37]. The defense strategies by the crested porcupine toward potential predators and competitors include four displays, characterized by increasing aggressiveness [38,39]: (i) dorsal quill and crest erection (which is sufficient for over 50% of interactions); (ii) tail rattling through rattle quills; (iii) hind-foot stamping and growling; and (iv) backyard/sideways attack. Most times, predators desist, remaining uninjured, but they may also be wounded to death [38,39].…”

“…The defense strategies by the crested porcupine toward potential predators and competitors include four displays, characterized by increasing aggressiveness [38,39]: (i) dorsal quill and crest erection (which is sufficient for over 50% of interactions); (ii) tail rattling through rattle quills; (iii) hind-foot stamping and growling; and (iv) backyard/sideways attack. Most times, predators desist, remaining uninjured, but they may also be wounded to death [38,39]. The same behavior may be displayed by crested porcupines toward conspecifics in captivity [40] or potential competitors, e.g., for food.…”