Indian Crested Porcupine: Facts, Quills, Predators

Where does the Indian porcupine live?

It prefers rocky hillsides but is also found in shrublands, grasslands, forests, and even agricultural fields. It digs and lives in burrows with intricate tunnel systems.

Is the Indian porcupine active during the day or night?

It is nocturnal—active at night—and spends around 7 hours each night foraging.

What animals prey on Indian porcupines?

Predators include large cats, wolves, striped hyenas, dholes, and even humans.

How does the porcupine defend itself?

It raises its quills to appear larger, rattles them as a warning, and will back into predators—its sharp quills can detach and injure attackers.

What does the Indian porcupine eat?

It has a varied diet including roots, fruits, bulbs, grains, bark, and tubers. Occasionally, it eats small insects and vertebrates.