Porcupine--very close-up

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Today I returned to the Blanca Wetlands in the San Luis Valley and found this porcupine about 7 feet up a Russian Olive tree. I got quite close to get these pics as it tried to hide behind the branches.The top pic shows clearly the quills that stick out for about 10 inches from the top of it's head.The second pic shows the whole porcupine sitting in the tree. Both front feet and one of the back feet are on the left side. It's back side and tail are on the right side of the pic.

The porcupines slightly open mouth is seen in the 3rd pic. I think it was chewing on the branch with it's very sharp front teeth. They are known for eating bark and even killing trees by stripping the bark from them.For right-up-next-to-it views, double-click on each pic. SeEtta
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