Trail cameras in the Karkloof have captured something we never get to see!
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (09 January 2026) – Talk about a lucky catch! A trail camera caught the very adorable moment a Cape porcupine delivered a full warning display. The angry stomps and quill-rattles are everything, and not something we get to see often.
The video was shared by Lions River Honorary Officers, with footage credited to chairman Ant Stratford. The behaviour is rarely witnessed because porcupines are largely nocturnal and keep well out of sight.
“This behaviour is seldom seen by people because these incredible animals live such secretive, nocturnal lives.” shares Lions River Honorary Officers.
If the stomps and rattles aren’t enough to scare off the threat, they’ll come at you backwards, quills-first!
“The rattling sound, made by hollow tail quills, acts as a powerful deterrent to would-be predators. If that doesn’t work, porcupines may even charge backward to drive their sharp quills into a threat!”
Cape porcupines play an important role in the ecosystem. They disperse seeds, dig and aerate soil, and help shape vegetation through their foraging.
“The Cape Porcupine is South Africa’s largest rodent – often weighing more than 20 kg! Despite their prickly appearance, they play a vital role in our ecosystems.”
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