Have you ever had a close encounter with a porcupine? I did and it was the highlight of my week. 

There is a stand of willows interspersed with birch at the far end of the snowshoe trail at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre. I was feeling lucky and hiked to that spot with the hope of a porcupine encounter. I've seen them there previously.

As I got closer I noticed that more tree branches were chewed bare since my last visit. The porcupines were busy. In fact, one of them was still midway up a birch tree and was munching at the tender bark.

The trail took me to within 10 meters of the tree but I wanted to get in closer. No snowshoes meant sinking to my knees in deep snow and filling up my boots but the pay off was worth it.

Just call me the porcupine whisperer. As I approached, the porcupine stopped chewing, didn't move and just watched me. I talked to the little guy and he appeared to realize that it was just the crazy lady with the camera again. He straightened his body and gave himself a little belly scratch before continuing with his meal.

Geese honked and flew over head. Squirrels chased each other up and down trees. Blue jays squawked from the tree tops. I got lost in the moment; watching that porcupine for more than 30 minutes. I think it was the snow melting in my boots that finally brought me back to reality.

What a great outing! Enjoy the up close and personal photos that I snapped. I hope you are able to get out more now that the temperature warmer. Happy hiking!

Birch trees appear to be a favorite snack spot for the porcupine.

It held the stick just like we hold onto a cob of corn.