Ynet reports Younasi, a resident of Hatzor Haglilit who had been evacuated from Kiryat Shmona due to the war, was rushed to Ziv Medical Center in Safed for emergency treatment. The quills were successfully removed, and he is currently stable and under observation in the orthopedic department, though he may require further surgery.
"Life has unexpected surprises, and I encountered a very cute animal that I didn't know could be so aggressive," Younasi recounted from his hospital bed to Ynet. "The animal must have felt threatened for some reason, and I saw it charging at me. I tried to run, but I stumbled. The porcupine attacked, stabbing me with its sharp quills. I attempted to defend myself, but ended up with 41 quills in my hands and legs. I thought I was going to die."
The porcupine (Hystrix indica) is the largest rodent in Israel and is covered with quills up to 20 inches long. It uses these quills only for passive defense and cannot "shoot" them. When threatened, it erects its quills, creating a rattling sound as a warning.
Porcupines are herbivores that feed on plant tubers and roots. They are nocturnal and hide in burrows or dense vegetation during the day. Their fixed paths make it easier to locate their burrows and the areas they frequent.
Dr. Dorir Knaana, who treated Younasi, described the injury as highly unusual: "This is the first time I've encountered such severe injuries with over 40 quills embedded in the body. It’s a dangerous injury that caused nerve damage to the patient's limbs. The quills are very sharp and penetrate deeply. We started treatment to manage pain, administered antibiotics and a tetanus shot, and performed a CT scan to check for vascular damage. We later identified nerve damage that we are now addressing."
Magen David Adom paramedic Shimon Bismuth, who attended to Younasi, said: "The injured man, who was hit by porcupine quills in his hand and leg, was found sitting on a chair, fully conscious and in significant pain. He reported that he was walking when he was suddenly struck by the quills. We provided medical treatment, including pain relief and wound care, and transported him to the hospital in stable condition. This is an extremely rare incident that I have never seen before."