Backroad Porcupine

The backroad drive into Kitwanga is a little like a wildlife safari. I never know what I will see, so I keep alert to any movement along the road. Yesterday morning as I drove in to see Richard, I saw a mid-size, four legged critter amble off to the edge of the road. But I was too far away to make out any detail. So I drove on around a curve and there was another one, same size, shape and speed, but this time in the middle of the road. I stepped on the brakes with the critter just a few feet in front of me - a porcupine - first live one I have seen. (Usually we see them flattened on Highway 16.) It slowly wandered off, crossed the grassy verge and turned to look nearsightedly back at me as it reached the eves of the forest. If you would like to learn more about this very interesting mammal (second largest rodent in Canada, second only to the beaver) click here.

... Bob