A porcupine enjoys some twigs on Nose Hill in Calgary, Alberta. i was taking this photograph when a passer-by commented that "these animals really don't do very much and don't have much of a purpose". I thought this was a very sad comment for so many reasons. Obviously, they help to keep vets in business when dogs come away with a nose full of quills. Also, porcupines help keep the shrubs and bushes trimmed. There is a purpose for everyone and everything!

February 2010