‘Surprise’ Animal Spotted High in a Hudson Valley Tree

A recent video shared by a Hudson Valley nature preserve is teaching many local residents about a surprising habit of one of the area's most unique animals.

There always seems to be something new to learn about the plants and wildlife that call New York home, and while the world's fastest predator and humping reptiles are entertaining, there's another animal who recently made a splash in Ulster County.

About the Mohonk Preserve in Ulster County, NY

The Mohonk Preserve, the biggest nonprofit nature preserve in the state, oversees more than 8,000 acres of land on the Shawangunk ridge. Recently, a visitor captured a fascinating video of guest that many were surprised to see high up in the tree branches.

Unexpected Treetop Visitor at the Mohonk Preserve

"Am I the only one who did not know they climbed trees???", asked one astonished commenter. "Imagine that unit falling on you", joked another. As the preserve explained, this "unexpected" treetop visitor was actually quite at home.

Porcupines Seen in Trees in the Hudson Valley

"Earlier this spring, our Conservation Science team spotted a porcupine enjoying a delicious meal", shared the Mohonk Preserve (below). As it turns out, porcupines are so comfortable up in the leaves that some may actually make their homes there.

Hudson Valley Porcupines Eating and Living in Trees

In addition to snacking on tree leaves, it has been reported that some porcupines even make their nests in the treetops, a way more accepted activity than their other known habit: eating cars (seriously).

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Of course there are more well-known Hudson Valley tree climbers, including mischievous black bears. Check out what happened when SUNY New Paltz received an unexpected visit below.