A few days ago, my friend Ron Dudley wrote a post (click) about his encounter with a porcupine. It reminded me of my own encounter with one a few years ago. I really can’t remember if I had written about it at the time, but today is as good as any to mention it to you.
Ann and I were on our way to the bird blind at San Angelo State Park. As we turned down the little lane leading to the place, Ann glanced to the right and exclaimed about an indistinctive blob in the fork of a tree. I stopped the car and we gazed at it wondering what the heck it was. It was only about 20 feet away. I put the binoculars on it and lo and behold, I saw a face. I told Ann, I think that it’s a porcupine. I had never seen one close up before.
I put my 24-105 lens on the camera and got out of the car to approach it. The fork of the tree was only about 5-6 feet from the ground. That put the animal right at eye-level. I took several shots of it then. It was asleep or maybe just drowsing. Anyway, it didn’t move but I felt that it was staring at me. I put my hand out to “pet” it, then decided that I didn’t really want to disturb it. An aside note, if you do pet a porcupine, don’t move your hand against the grain. 🙂
Here are a couple of images from that encounter. My only disappointment was that the porcupine was back-lit as you can see, so I had trouble getting detail in the face.
A year or so later, I came across this porcupine crossing the road.
I’ve never seen a porcupine – these don’t look as intimidating as I thought they would be, but rather cute.
They are cute in an odd sort of way. Very innocent and slow moving. Not aggressive, the use he qullls as a defense. Thanks for the comment, Neita. 🙂
Very cool pics, Bob!
Thanks, Karen, I appreciate it. 🙂
We have lots of them up here, i could persuade some to maybe visit you, :), thanks MJ
We could use a few more here, I guess. 🙂
Great pics! Porcupines look so harmless and cuddly. No, I wouldn’t go stroking them though!
Thanks, Jo. I think they are harmless, not agressive.
Oh so that’s what they look like!
That it is, Julia. 🙂
I don’t see a tail on either of the porcupines, and the faces look different from our Michigan porkies as well. Must be everything is different in Texas!
Could be. I’ll have to check on that. Thanks for the comment.
I’m a little sad to say I’ve not yet seen a porcupine, but am happy to see your terrific photos. They sure do lend another level of meaning to the whole “rub the wrong way” idea, though I happen to think they’re quite nice looking creatures. Thanks for sharing.
I am glad you enjoyed the pictures, Sid. Thanks for commenting.
The back light in the first photo seems to give the fellow a halo! 🙂
It sure did. Difficult to photograph. Thanks for the comment, Merrill.
Although birds are your forte’ Bob, glad to see a little variety like the porcupine. How about an occasional javelina, jack rabbit, prairie dog, etc. just for a mix? Variety is the spice of life they say.
Good suggestions, Jim. I will try to accomodate, as the opportunities arise. Nice to hear from you again. 🙂
You really can pet them!? No thanks but I do hear they are gentle creatures.I have never seen one with so much leg showing. Is it young or maybe there is more than one kind of porcupine.Saw Ron’sand thank you for posting this. Glad you are recovering.
Petting them is really not recommended, but I was close enough to. Thanks for your comment, Jane.
Neat shots Bob – all three of them. Yours sure seem lighter in color than ours.
Thanks, Ron. I agree with you about the color.
Way to cool..When we had the farm, our jersey milk cow got real acquainted with the porcupine..not once by twice..they are so ugly they are cute..have a terrific Tuesday..
Thanks, Syl, for your comment. I appreciate your input. 🙂
Wow…I’ve never seen one up close like that…they’re actually pretty cute! I’ve only seen the after effects of my cousin’s dog meeting up with one. 😦
Thanks, Bonnie. You’re right, they are an ugly cute. 🙂