July 11, 2010 - MN Summer Photos
Read MoreI found this Franklin’s Ground Squirrel at Scenic State Park in northern Minnesota. It makes its home in an underground burrow that can be up to 20 feet long. This squirrel is a true hibernator and often has a chamber in its burrow that is below the frost line. It can be hard to spot because it lives in brushier areas than our other two common squirrels (Red Squirrel and Gray Squirrel).
Here’s the “business end” of the Porcupine. Their rump and tail are covered with up to 30,000 quills. These are modified hairs; solid on both ends, hollow in the middle, and with a sharp barb on the end. They are loosely attached to muscles just under the skin. Porcupines cannot “throw” their quills but any predator that gets too close could get a very painful lesson from the swinging tail of the Porcupine.
earlorfphotos
on July 11, 2010They do seem like they are all legs, don't they. And look at the size of the feet. Earl
Shawn
on July 11, 2010What an oddly-proportioned little Killdeer!
Pat Willigrod
on July 11, 2010Your closeup photos of wildlife are stunning. I lived near Grand Marais, Silver Bay at an Air Force Site called Finland AFS for two years. It is beautful country but I was not aware of these critters, just mosquitos, bears and Deer Flies.