Bad day or good day for a porpentine?

[batwrangler]

I caught site of this porcupine* on my way home from work yesterday -- when I noticed it, it was lower on the tree but moving quickly, so I'm guess I just missed it dashing across the road. I was able to turn onto a side road and hike along the margin of the highway on the other side of the guard rail from traffic to get a few pictures. And I only found one tick on my pants when I tick-checked back in my car.

Long shot:


Close up:


Road rash?


Click through any of the pictures for a couple more at flickr.

*North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) in southern NH, USA.