Simon says: "Let's meet the Indian crested porcupine!"
The Indian crested porcupine
Maresha (Beit Guvrin) is famous for its ancient underground caves. But when the sun goes down, another resident comes out to explore. I was fortunate to be there close to dusk, yesterday, planning an upcoming tour & chatting with one of the KKL team, & we spotted one.
This is Israel’s largest rodent - & certainly not one to cuddle!
Porcupines are nocturnal, spending much of the day tucked away, emerging after dark to forage for food. So, if you don't spot one on your visit, don't be disappointed. They're probably enjoying a quiet day off.
These impressive animals are built for digging, using their strong claws to search for roots, bulbs & other underground plant parts. And those spectacular quills are a very effective reminder to admire wildlife from a respectful distance!
Although Maresha's caves were carved by people more than 2,000 years ago, porcupines have made themselves at home in the surrounding rocky landscape.
Knowing they're out there adds another layer to Maresha's fascinating story.
Want to explore Maresha's caves & discover some of its less obvious residents?
Join our 'Tastes & Flavours' Little Bus™ Tour on December 17 where we'll discover connections between Israel's substrate & the food we eat.
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