Nagpur: A Porcupine, a rare and protected bird species, was rescued by members of the Vidarbha Sarpamitra Samiti after it was attacked by stray dogs in a residential layout in Hingna early on Saturday, April 12 morning.

At around 6:30 am, Akash Meshram, a member of the rescue committee, received a distress call from a security guard in the area who witnessed the attack. The guard and local residents managed to drive away the dogs using sticks and cloths. Startled and terrified, the Porcupine sought refuge in the bathroom of an under-construction building nearby.

Meshram, along with fellow rescue team members Akash Mandal and Deepak Kumbhalkar, promptly reached the location. The team safely secured the frightened bird and released it into a nearby forest zone under the supervision of forest officials.

Experts highlighted that the Porcupine possesses sharp defensive feathers which it raises when threatened, making close handling risky. Despite the potential danger, the rescue team carried out the operation with care and precision.

Forest authorities extended their gratitude to all members of the Vidarbha Sarpamitra Samiti for their swift response and successful rescue, which prevented any harm to the endangered bird.