Porcupines trigger panic in Lolab villages

Lolab, Dec 16 : The sudden presence of porcupines locally called ‘trunz’ in villages has triggered panic with residents forcing children to remain indoors since they fear they may attack them with quills.

 The inhabitants said that at least six to seven porcupines were found roaming in Maidanpora and Cheepora villages of Lolab.
 “They make sounds in the villages while dogs chase them and in retaliation they shoot quills at dogs,” said an eyewitness.
 These animals remain on prowl and children of the villages are hesitant to step out of their homes in the late and early hours due to fear of this rare species.

 A wildlife official said that the crested porcupine is one of the largest rodents and a new species in held Kashmir.

 The head is roundish and rather domed, with a blunt muzzle and small eyes and ears.

 The legs are short and sturdy, and each foot has five toes, all equipped with powerful claws.

 The porcupine is, of course, easily recognized by its most notable feature—its quills. Quill length on different parts of the body varies, from 1 inch up to 12 inches on the back.

 Usually the quills lie flat against the body, but if danger threatens, the porcupine raises and spreads them. Scales on quill tips lodge in the skin like fishhooks and are difficult to pull out. New quills grow in to replace lost ones.

 “The porcupine warns potential enemies of its defense system when alarmed. It will stamp its feet, click its teeth and growl or hiss while vibrating specialized quills that produce a characteristic rattle. If an enemy persists, the porcupine runs backward until it rams its attacker. The reverse charge is most effective because the hindquarters are the most heavily armed and the quills are directed to the rear.

When contacted wildlife warden occupied Kashmir Muhammad Maqbool Baba told Greater Kashmir  that the porcupine is not dangerous for humans. “There is no need to be panic. It shoots its quills in self defense when it is disturbed. People should not disturb these species unnecessarily”.

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