The name “porcupine” comes from the Latin words for “pig” and “spiny,” but these unusual animals belong to the rodent family. Their famous spines are special modified hairs that are barbed and hollow. While these quills may scare off most predators, the fisher—our largest weasel—isn’t deterred: it’s one of the few mammals that preys on the porcupine. The North American porcupine is the only species of porcupine that makes its home in the U.S. Here are five photos captured by past participants in our Photo Contest.

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Kim McNeil

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Chris Ruggiero

2010 Photo Contest Entry © Flickr user foothills732

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Lisa Strout

2011 Photo Contest Entry © Daniel Finnerty

If you have a bird feeder in Massachusetts, there’s a very good chance you have witnessed the antics of the tufted titmouse. They may not look it, but titmice are bold as brass, harassing intruders in their territory with their harsh scold calls and even stealing tufts of fur from sleeping mammals to use in lining their nests. Learn more about these furtive birds and check out five great images.

2015 Photo Contest Entry © Nathan Butler

2014 Photo Contest Entry © Lee Fortier

2013 Photo Contest Entry © Kimberlee Bertolino

2012 Focus on Feeders Entry © Cheryl Rose

2012 Focus on Feeders Entry © Anne Greene