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What to Do If You Find an Injured Porcupine
Many injured porcupines are found on roadsides after being struck by a vehicle. If the animal is in immediate danger from traffic and it is safe for you to intervene, moving it a short distance to safety can save its life while you arrange help.
If the porcupine needs to be moved
- A plastic storage tote with a secure-fitting lid is often the safest way to contain and transport an injured porcupine.
- Avoid using towels, blankets, or other fabrics. Porcupine quills can become embedded in cloth, making it difficult to free the animal without causing additional stress or damage.
- Place the plastic tote over the porcupine, making sure to hold it down firmly to prevent escape.
- With steady, confident movements, slide the lid underneath the tote until the porcupine is fully enclosed.
- Secure the lid before lifting the tote.
- Move the tote to a safe, shaded location and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for further instructions.
Use caution
An injured porcupine is scared and may defend itself by rapidly swinging its quill-covered tail. While they do not shoot their quills, they can whip their tail with surprising speed and force. Keep children and pets away, minimize handling, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Below is a curated list of Massachusetts wildlife rehabilitators with experience caring for porcupines, helping you find the right person.
Western Massachusetts
Leyden Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation
Location: Leyden, MA
Phone: (413) 768-7343
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078858932391
Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc.
Rehabilitator: Kathy Gaynor
Location: Russell, MA
Phone: (413) 275-9462
Website: https://urbanwildliferehab.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanWildilfeRehabilitation
Central Massachusetts
Frog Hollow Farm Wildlife Rehabilitation
Rehabilitator: Melissa Morris
Location: Hubbardston, MA
Phone: (978) 430-9398
Email: admin@froghollowfarm.org
Website: https://www.froghollowfarm.org/
For help with an injured animal, call the phone number above.
Salvatore Wildlife Rescue
Rehabilitator: Stephanie Piantedosi-Salvatore
Location: Sterling, MA
Phone: (978) 422-1126
Website: https://www.salvatorewildliferescue.org/i-found-an-animal
Northeastern Massachusetts
Newhouse Wildlife Rescue
Location: Chelmsford, MA
Phone: (978) 413-4085
Email: info@newhousewildliferescue.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewhouseWildlifeRescue
Eastern Massachusetts
New England Wildlife Centers
Location: South Weymouth, MA
Phone: (781) 682-4878
Address: 500 Columbian St., South Weymouth, MA 02190
Wildlife Hospital: https://www.newildlife.org/wildlife-hospital/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEnglandWildlifeCenters
Southeastern Massachusetts
Return 2 Wild Wildlife Rehabilitation
Rehabilitator: Susan Siegel
Location: Norfolk, MA
Phone: (774) 469-0806
Website: https://return2wild.org/faq-1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/R2WWildlifeRehab/