The Holdovers

A group of guys Floris and I stumbled across during our recent trip to Surprise Canyon near Death Valley NP. I had never been to this location before and thoroughly enjoyed exploring up and down this canyon. Can't wait to backpack it some time.

As always, any comments, suggestions or critiques are always welcomed.

Cheers!

~Eric

Eric, these guys truly look to be in very fine shape. It's always good to see wildlife or free range animals that are fairing well on their own like this. Thanks for sharing.

Well, Nice image of wild burros, same lineage as our wild horse populations just different original owners, packers and prospectors. There's a pretty good sized herd near Aberdeen in the Owens Valley. Guess the Canyon is appropriately names Surprise. It's kinda of amazing how we accidentally sneak up on "wild" animals while on foot, literally almost bumping into them.

Paul

Very nice Eric! I like the group on the side juxtaposed with the one lone fella'. Sure was fun to see them so close, usually I've encountered them way in the distance.

Nice image of some cute creatures.

Unfortunately, these so called 'wild' burros are not native, and have become an invasive species. Originally abandoned by miners, they have adapted and survived, but do cause considerable destruction to the native flora. There have been numerous burro roundups, and programs for folks to adopt-a-burro and take one home. Still, they're out there where they don't belong. The desert is one of the most sensitive ecosystems, and it doesn't take much to alter the fine balance of life and nature.

BTW, Surprise canyon is in the Panamint Range, well within Death Valley NP boundaries.

This is a nice shot, Eric. The contrast is right on, despite the foreground being in full sun.

-p

ahh...nice Eric. a rare moment well captured...