Why Are Porcupines Protected?

Quills come off when an animal or person encounters them. A porcupine is not an aggressive animal at all. In New York state, animal protection law protects nearly all species of wildlife. ... Consequently, porcupines are more vulnerable to the risk of physical abuse as an "unwanted wildlife species."

Are porcupines good for anything?

Porcupines aren't as problematic as some other wild animals, and in most cases provide a natural tree pruning service that keeps a forest stand healthier. Unlike beaver or rabbits, porcupines can ascend tree trunks and nibble on branches. Dropping twigs and fruit to the forest floor benefits other wildlife down below.

Why would people hunt porcupines?

Porcupines are being hunted for onion-shaped masses of undigested plant material in their gut known as bezoars. According to leading wildlife trafficking experts, the small, spiny rodents are at risk of becoming endangered across Southeast Asia.