Porc-u-pine

Virginia

I was out for a bike ride and, knowing that no one could handle another bike photo any time soon, I was hoping for something interesting to come my way.

I took my usual "sky over the slough" shots, and canola, and of course the obligatory dragonfly shot. Then I spied this fellow walking down the road. I was off the bike at this point, and thought "porcupines don't move that fast" so I chased him down on foot! All the while I was calling to him like one might call a cat: "come here buddy, I won't hurt you, hey little fellow" in that high voice that one uses for small animals and small children.

Not only did he slow down, but he turned around, looked at me, and eventually sat up!! He posed for several shots!! I couldn't believe it! I was snapping away thinking "oh please let these be in focus!!"

Look at the claws on this guy. I'm lucky he didn't lunge at me and rip out my throat! :o)