There used to be a wonderful, chubby old porcupine who occasionally waddled down along the dirt on the side of Boreas Pass Road. He died this morning, hit by a car.

I have lived on this road since before it was paved. I know people are frustrated with me when I drive the speed limit. They would like to drive faster to cut some time from their trip. I drive the speed limit because, right now, there is a bear cub and her mom, a moose with her this-year twins, and at least two families of foxes who cross this road on their daily outings.
Please do not speed on this road. And pay attention! Assume that some animal, large or small, might jump, hop, run, charge, slither or waddle out in front of you, and be prepared to stop.
Is getting home or to a friend’s or to the many trail heads up here to begin your hike a few minutes early, worth killing any animal? I think not.