Stowaway porcupine travels by helicopter, plane, boat and truck on nearly 2,000-km round-trip across B.C.

A stowaway porcupine named Mackenzie has finally made her way back home in northern B.C. after an extraordinary 2,000-kilometre journey by road, boat, and air across the province. The young female porcupine was discovered in the wreckage of a small plane crash near the community of Mackenzie, about 100 kilometers north of Prince George. While details of the crash remain undisclosed due to privacy concerns, Mackenzie’s unexpected adventure captured the hearts of many.

After the wreckage was transported to a salvage yard in Kelowna, over 800 kilometers away from Mackenzie, the porcupine was found hiding beneath the pilot’s seat. Workers at the yard reached out to the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society for assistance when Mackenzie refused to come out. President Eva Hartmann described the situation as unprecedented, highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding Mackenzie’s long-distance transport.

Rescue volunteers had to sedate Mackenzie in order to safely remove her from the wreckage before conducting a quick examination to ensure her health. Once it was confirmed that she was in good condition, Mackenzie was taken to the society’s facility in Summerland. A call for help was issued online to transport Mackenzie back to her original home, as wildlife rehabilitation centers are mandated to release animals close to their place of origin.

Fortunately, the volunteer group Big to the Rescue stepped in to assist with Mackenzie’s journey back to Mackenzie. Pilot Jayson Biggs flew her from Penticton Airport to her hometown, where conservation officers released her into the woods. Biggs described the experience as one of his longest days of flying but deemed the release a “big, big success.” Footage of Mackenzie walking into the forest was shared on social media, showcasing her safe return home.

Despite her extraordinary travels, porcupines are typically solitary creatures, and it is unlikely that Mackenzie will be sharing her incredible story with others. The heartwarming tale of Mackenzie’s unexpected adventure serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of wildlife in overcoming unforeseen challenges. The unique journey of this stowaway porcupine highlights the importance of wildlife conservation and the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of animals in need.