Hungry Porcupine

Came across this old photo of a hungry Common Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) a few weeks ago, when I was backing up a few more files. Taken at Sikome, Fish Creek Park, on 17 December 2009.

■The common porcupine is a large, robust rodent. Adults weigh about 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
■Has a thick tail, and short powerful legs with long curved claws.
■Coat is composed of rows of dense, brown undercoat with yellow-tipped guard hairs.
■Guard hairs alternate with rows of loosely attached quills that vary from 25 to 65 millimetres (1 to 2.5 inches) in length.
■Quills taper to a sharp and stiff point that is covered with very small barbs.
■Quills are hollow, thus reducing their weight and providing buoyancy when the animal occasionally swims.

srd.alberta.ca/FishWildlife/WildSpecies/Mammals/RabbitsRo...