Criminal8/27/2026

Four People Arrested on Suspicion of Illegally Hunting Porcupines

Police arrested four people after pursuing two off-road vehicles near a community in the Galilee. Hunting equipment, porcupine meat, and a live pup were found in the detainees’ possession; the pup was released into the wild after being examined.

Key facts

•Four people were arrested
•Location of the incident — the area of a community in the Galilee
•A case was opened on suspicion of illegal hunting and possession of protected natural assets
•The porcupine pup was released into the wild after being examined
•Black-market price of a porcupine — up to 450 shekels
•No indictments or judicial decision in this case have been reported so far

Pursuit in Avocado Groves

Police received a report about two off-road vehicles moving through avocado groves. Initially, it was suspected that the group was connected to protection-money extortion. After a pursuit lasting several minutes, the vehicles were stopped; one overturned in a ditch, and its occupants attempted to flee on foot.

What Was Found in the Detainees’ Possession

During the arrest, it became clear that the four were not suspected of extortion, but of hunting porcupines. Israel Nature and Parks Authority inspectors found hunting equipment, porcupine meat, and a live porcupine pup. The animal was examined at the scene, and after it was determined that it had not been harmed, it was returned to the wild.

What Are the Suspicions?

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority opened a case against all four on suspicion of illegally hunting wildlife using prohibited methods and possessing protected natural assets. The porcupine is classified in Israel as protected wildlife, and hunting it is therefore prohibited. The source does not report that indictments have been filed, that legal proceedings are underway, or that restrictive conditions have been imposed.

Penalty for Hunting Porcupines

According to the publication, a porcupine hunted illegally can fetch up to 450 shekels on the black market. The report also cited a case from 2009: a person convicted of hunting a porcupine was sentenced to five months’ actual imprisonment, and the Supreme Court rejected his appeal. The source did not provide the case number or the date of the decision.

What this means for you

Hunting porcupines is prohibited in Israel because they are classified as protected wildlife. Criminal consequences may arise not only from the hunting itself, but also from the use of prohibited methods and the possession of protected natural assets. However, an arrest and the opening of a case do not mean that the suspects have been convicted.

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