On Wednesday morning of this week I had quite the surprise as I drove out to Antelope Island at dawn. Between the island and the last bridge going west – a Porcupine!
The bristly critter was in the shade of the elevated road but I couldn’t resist taking a few photos anyway. I got pretty close to take these images but it didn’t seem very concerned about it – with their prickly defense there’s few predators that will regularly mess with them other than the Fisher, and there’s not many of them on the island… Most predators (and even many non-predators) know, instinctively or from experience, that bothering a Porcupine simply is not worth the risk (see my recent post of a Moose that fell victim to a Porcupine).
Porcupines are not uncommon on the island but in my experience it’s unusual to see them up close. Typically they’re in the Russian Olives a fair distance from the road and in an area which can’t legally be hiked.
It was fun to get such a good look at this one but I was concerned that it would become road-kill on the causeway. All morning, while I was on the island, I was fearful that I’d find it dead on the road as I drove out. Thankfully I didn’t.
I hope it made its way safely back to the island.
Ron
oh, what a treat! Such mysterious creatures. =)
I’ve noticed that skunks (also) seem unconcerned when I’m around, but then on one occasion I realized they didn’t actually know I was there–don’t think their eyesight is too good–’cause I was watching one cruising around, unconcerned, then it FINALLY detected me with a start, and SPED off (well, clambered rapidly and somewhat adorably). =) Nice work! And aren’t you the star re: not actually hiking where one is not allowed to hike. =)
biobabbler, I think skunks and porcupines have such good defenses that they’re simply not as concerned about potential danger as many other critters are. But you’re right – skunks have poor eyesight.
I’ve never seen one of these guys up close…. Thanks so much for the wonderful images! I sure hope the little guy was accustomed to his area, and stayed safe and sound.
As far as I know Christina, it survived the venture out on the causeway.
Great close photos, Ron. I think it is always amazing to come across creatures that you usually don’t get a chance to see. I am reminded of my own encounters with a porcupine. I don’t remember if I have ever posted them, but with your reminder I may do that in the near future.
I hope you do Bob, I’d like to see them.
It looks to have much more hair than our echidnas which are prickles from every angle. Just the same I do remember that Moose and can understand things giving it a wide and careful berth. I am also glad that it didn’t become road kill. Far too many things do die on our roads.
Elelphant’s Child,oour North American Porcupine has long bristles and guard hairs that make it difficult to see many of the quills. Also, this particular animal was somewhat smaller than most I’ve seen so it may have been a youngster whose quills arenlt yet fully grown (that’s just a guess though).