Porcupine!

Porcupines are very common in Alaska, but I only rarely see them. In fact, in my 13 years here, I think I've only seen maybe 3 as roadkill, and a single one alive! Well, okay, now two!

But last night while I was brushing my teeth, Thistle demanded to be let out Immediately. I thought she had to poop really badly, so opened the door and followed her out (with Cricket, too). Turns out there was a porcupine in the yard! The Very Good Dogs came back when I shouted at them to Leave That Thing Alone and Get Your Fuzzy Butts Back Here. They Left That Thing Alone and Got Their Fuzzy Butts Back Here.

I put them inside and grabbed my camera, and followed him as he waddled off through the forest (as I continued to brush my teeth with my other hand. Multitasking!)



Those spines must be very serious indeed, because he was fearless and 100% ignored us. He also made no effort whatsoever to be stealthy. As he waddled through the woods, he rustled every single plant in his path, as graceful as a labrador retriever puppy in slow-mo.

Apparently, Romeo, the famous wolf of Juneau was an expert at catching, killing, and eating porcupines. No-one ever saw him do it, but they would find husks of porcupines around his territory, and never a quill on him. He must have been a clever fellow.

Ah, googling him makes me feel sad, because he had a sad end, and also I was often told that Roo looked like him. Sigh. I'm going to transplant some rhubarb now.