Rocky Mountain National Park Porcupine

While the big animals in Rocky Mountain National Park get most of the attention (such as Elk and Moose) there are many smaller animals. These are obviously harder to see and often it's just a fleeting glimpse. So while driving back near sunset, it was a rare treat to see a porcupine scurry across the road - first time I've seen one of these! I jump out of the car and follow 'em as he goes down a moderately steep snowy hill - I have my super-grippy Crocs on - D'OH! ;-) I end up getting a few pictures with my Canon 40D and 55-250IS lens which allowed me to maintain a respectful distance.

So why did the porcupine cross the road?!? ;-)

Porcupine about to go over and down the hill - note snow

The porcupine ends up climbing a tree

With those claws, he just scrambled right up the tree bark

The porcupine was just hanging out on this branch

Closeup of above picture

Reflected flash on the porcupine's eyes

More Rocky Mountain National Park stuff