Signs of Spring

Last summer and fall, we saw a lot of solar-powered porcupines laying in fuel for the long winter. They do this by soaking up the sun, usually along roadways. It's a very exposed position, but they compensate for this by playing dead, a technique they learned from an enterprising oppossum. There's not enough solar production in the winter for them to be out, so today was the first time I saw one this season! Truly an awe-inspiring sight.




(The back of the porcupine is where the most exposed quills are. This porky's back was nearly bare, so I have a feeling that whatever car hit it was all the worse for the experience.)