Death Valley National Park is the largest national park in the lower ’48 consisting of 5,270 mi² of barren, beautiful desert. It holds the world record for the hottest place on earth topping out at 134 F in 2013.
Burros (donkeys) were introduced to the park by gold miners in the 1800’s. Some escaped and wild burros have thrived in the park ever since. Burros dig holes to find water and these holes are often used by other desert creatures. Burros are a food source for resident mountain lions, taking pressure off big horn sheep populations.
Burros are not wanted by The National Park Service in Death Valley.
The front page of the 2019 National Park Summer Visitor Guide says burros are an “invasive species……they stomp around and make a mess…they over browse…..they can be mean and aggressive when defending young….they stand in roads and won’t budge.”
This sounds a lot like some of the human visitors I have seen in national parks over the years. But despite this, the park service has pursued a policy of rounding up wild burros by helicopter and horseback, shipping them off to rescue organizations. “Eliminating wild burros from the park has been the park service goal since 2002,” (Pahrump Valley Times).
Having read about the wild burros, and wanting to see the last remaining ones, I decided to go search for them. I started by asking locals where I could find them. Every local I spoke to told the same basic story, which amounted to, “I haven’t seen them in the park. I have seen them outside the boundaries of park.”
One person even said, “It seems they know they are not wanted in the park, so they tend to stay just outside it.”
Pretty clever critters, huh?
The road to Beatty Nevada, a town of 1010 people, just outside the park came up in lots of conversations as a place where wild burros congregate. So off to Beatty we went.
Sure enough, near the outskirts of town, we started to see signs of burro presence, not stomped up messes, but donkey scat. My husband Jim is a patient person, and he was willing to take all sorts of rocky dirt roads following donkey scat. We had no luck, and were about to give up when Jim decided to drive around the perimeter of town, and there they were! A small herd of eight burros, with one dominant male, three foals, and four females. One female was pregnant. Here was the male being protective when we first saw the herd:
After awhile of distant observation, the burros seemed to decide we were not a threat, and walked slowly over and approached us directly, showing no sign of aggression. Mindful of the park literature, I backed away from them, and retreated to the safety of the car.
This was the burros reaction to my retreat!
A Beatty local resident, observing my caution, walked over and introduced us to the burros.
You can see his hand here.
No one should ever approach wild donkeys. They can be aggressive and dangerous when threatened. But this nice local man showed us their other side as well. They can also be friendly, curious and affectionate.
You can almost see Jim here making friends!
Cheers to you from the beautiful burros of Death Valley~
For further discussion of the burros and park policy see:
https://undark.org/2019/10/14/death-valley-burros-fate/
They really look so cute, but on your advice, I wouldn’t approach them. 😅
I wouldn’t. The local led the way and the burros initiated the very gentle contact.
Hmm. Noteworthy observations. Fascinating.
Thanks John & happy weekend my friend!
So cute and friendly. I love the fluffy youngsters.
They are beautiful and so affectionate!
omg they are so cute. 🙂
So sweet too. My husband’s comment as we drove away was, “Why don’t we adopt some of the ones they round up?”
Gosh, the babies are soo cute! Yeah, I can imagine their bite could tear a chunk out of you and I wouldn’t want to think about a well-aimed kick. Best to give them their space.
Exactly. These guys kept their distance until they felt we weren’t a threat. The foal and mother walked leisurely over to us, but it took a local resident to get me out of the car!
Have you ever seen the burros of Oatman AZ along Rt.66? I recently read Sagittarius Viking’s post about them: https://sagittariusviking.com/2019/11/07/oatman-az-where-the-burros-rule-the-streets
http://www.oatmangoldroad.org/burro.htm
I hadn’t seen either of these posts and I loved both of them! Thank you for sending them to me. I love the town’s embrace of the wild burros. Good for Oatman! They support my impression of these wonderful creatures.
They are adorable.
They so are!! We have acerage. We could adopt a couple.
That would be fun.
It would.
Lovely photos and I’m so glad you got to meet some burros.
Thank you Sheree. It was a wonderful experience!
Hard to believe, but, do people trust these little animals to ride on them to the bottom of the Grand Canyon? Great photo journey, thank you.
I did that when I was six years old. My parents fibbed and said I was seven as that was the cut off age date. I was really uncomfortable that they lied but I remember the experience so clearly.
Oh Wow 🙂 great friends 🐴 🙂 Thanks for sharing this, never saw any that I remember when there in ’63
Thank you and I am happy you enjoyed them. I have never seen the wild ones either, until this trip.
I truly love furry donkeys, and they are clever critters, thank you Cindy for great collection of photos.
I also love it when Derrick posts his Donkey photos the little farms in England….
Aren’t Derrick’s donkeys adorable! I love them too.
yes, they look so at home roaming the paddocks and roads…
Yes, trusting, which kinda breaks my heart.
You persistence paid off! They are so cute.
Alison
They are so sweet too. I didn’t expect this.
They’re so pretty!
And they are so sweet too.
How gorgeous they are. What a pity they are considered invasive.
Yes. There is is this defense mechanism called projection, where traits we dislike in ourselves are projected onto others, I think this qualifies. So lovely to hear from you and hope you are well. <3
That’s very interesting.
It was a rather rude surprise. I certainly didn’t know about the park policy.
They are so amazingly beautiful. You have given me such pleasure with your photographs. I love every single one of them. So sweet and I like them so much more than the Park Service People. They are the ones who should leave. Thank you for this. <3
Oh, I love you! I really do <3 <3
Pingback: Death Valley’s Wild Burros~ — (Look at all these truly gorgeous donkeys–Gigi) | Rethinking Life
Hugs to you sweet friend <3
I hope he made friends, all the donkeys I have encountered have been lovely, but they are used a lot here to defend the farm animals. They can be no nonsense, and very adapt at their jobs.
Oh, yes, I know what you mean, which is one of the attractions of having them at The Holler. They broke no nonsense from coyotes! I have seen them deal with them and it is impressive and protective.
” “Invasive species” They stomp around and make a mess…they over browse…..they can be mean and aggressive when defending young….they stand in roads and won’t budge. We have the same here, Cindy, and they are human’s too!
Thanks fro thegreat pictures, loved them! X
Honestly, when I read this in the “Welcome to the Park,” brochure, I couldn’t believe it was really there. It was such a piece of polarized polemic damning a species based on what data precisely?
Practially none actually.
“Invasive species” are a species invasive humans don’t like.
You are so right.
I have seen humans exhibit every negative trait they ascribed to these poor burros.
If humans are going to drive a species out of ecosystem they introduced them to, they need much better data and reasoning.
Well said, Cindy.
Mankind at its worst!
TTFN
<3 <3
Aww. I’ve had a soft for donkeys and burros since my childhood love with Eeyore. Thanks for showing us a different side to these lovely creatures than what park officials put out Cindy.😊
Ohhhh, thank you! Sweet Eyeore is actually just like these wonderful creatures.
Oh, Cindy!!! I love those little burrows and can’t understand why the park has no use for them. I wish I had a lot of land to house unwanted animals on. What is wrong with people? They are doing what they need to do to survive. Grrrr. Just gorgeous creatures and I want them.
You are just like me. I was quite angry, first when I read the biased propaganda damning the burros put out by the park service, and then I was just dismayed after spending time with them. I can’t imagine demonizing such lovely creatures. I suspect it comes down to money unfortunately. The national park service runs lodges in the park, one in particular is full of gorgeous landscaping with invasive plant species that are seriously water demanding and very expensive to maintain. The burros naturally might like to eat these invasive plant species. This costs the park money to replace. I guess the park service feels comfortable choosing which invasive species are acceptable in the park and which are not.
Grrrr is right.
We are on the same page their.
We are and it feels good <3
In my valley, invasive plant species and water species endanger plants and water life that have always been here.
The burros are cute, but they can live elsewhere and the rangers job is to preserve and protect the park.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Btw those burros look so cute.
I respect you for respectfully stating your opinion and I have deep bone love for our national parks.
They do look so sweet.
They really are heartwarming creatures.
So cute !
And very sweet too!
Oh they are lovely aren’t they! 😊
Yes indeed. They stole our <3 's!
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Lovely pictures by Cindy Knoke of the wild burros of Death Valley National Park.
Thank you for your concern and advocacy Patricia and have a wonderful weekend <3
What a fun and irresistibly cute post!
Awww, thanks much & happy you enjoyed <3
How the hell do you stomp around and make a mess in the desert? *eyes rolling*
My ex and I drove around Death Valley in November 2000. He had relatives in Henderson, NV, and we got out & wandered around. The landscape has a quiet beauty and I was fascinated with the abandoned rail lines there. I didn’t see any burros but, I was told of them.
They are so cute.
I am keeping the visitor guide because I find it as unbelievable as you do!
Simply adorable! 🙂 🙂
They were utterly winsome <3
Lovely you found them in the end. they look so sweet, but I believe that you have to be cautious.
Thank you and yes indeed, caution around wild creatures keeps everyone safe.
Hey Cindy,
Perhaps growing up I read too much Winnie-the-Pooh but I can’t look at a donkey without thinking of Eeyore, who always was a little sardonic and gloomy, but whom I adored all the same.
It seems a shame they are not wanted in the Park when they most probably didn’t want to be there in the first place but have thrived and made it their home. One can only hope they are well-taken care of by the rescue organisations.
Wonderful photos as always, thank you.
Enjoy your weekend,
DN
“It seems a shame they are not wanted in the Park when they most probably didn’t want to be there in the first place but have thrived and made it their home.” As usual Dewin, you express yourself beautifully. Thank you.
They are so cute and cuddly. I am glad you have pictures of them with people and with car to give me a sense of how big they are. I thought they are small but with the pictures I can see they are pretty size.
It is often hard to get a sense of perspective in photos, so I am glad the car helped to clarify this.
They are definitely cute … but great text about them.
Thanks Frank. They were sweet and affectionate too.
You were very blessed to see them. I hope they all get the respect and care they deserve.
Thank you for your hope and concern.
How precious and cute but you’re right to be cautious. Hopefully the locals will treat them well. Great photos.
Thank you Linda and I share your hopes <3
Thanks Cindy. You’re full of fun facts and adventures. It’s good to know burros have a pleasant side. They’re mostly portrayed as aggressive, dumb, and a nuisance.
Sad, isn’t it, that humans so incorrectly malign.
Yes, and we also seem to project many human qualities on them too.
Oh! I’m glad you found them. I was working on a case (with people) that involved a burro who needed rescued. I fell in love with him. Thanks for this!
I can see why you fell in love. They are utterly charming creatures <3
I always love running into wild burros. Some are very skittish while others are engaging. If you’re meandering around the state of AZ, Oatman is a fun stop.
https://livelaughrv.net/2018/02/11/oatman-and-route-66/
People have been telling me about Oatman. I love their compassionate response to the burros and would love to visit.
Reminds me of Oatman, Arizona, Cindy, where the kids have ‘no carrot’ stickers on their foreheads since they are too young to process carrots and may choke on them. Cute photos. –Curt
Yes, Eliza Waters sent me links to Oatman. So wonderful to see a town embrace these wonderful creatures.
They’re everywhere! Quite amusing.
<3
As you know, ours are very gentle creatures – and have longer ears 🙂
We petted and visited with these guys and they were wonderful albeit wild. It is hard to imagine even bigger ears!!!
The ‘as you know…. ‘ comment was me, Derrick
What a delightful trip, Cindy. I had no idea.
Thanks Jacqui. I was really surprised to read the park polemic.
What I gather from your interesting post, Cindy, is that burros are cute and harmless animals. Just because they are considered invasive should not be a reason for expelling them from the park.
I agree with you wholeheartedly Peter. Things evolve and change in nature and nature adapts. Humans should try and catch up.
Your photos showcase their beauty, Cindy. They look adorable but they are indeed wild, and therefore unpredictable in their behavior. Sad to read they are considered invasive.
I agree. I think the term invasive is overused and can justify cruel practices. The most invasive species of all is afterall, us.
Cute little fellows and as you said seem to show more common sense, and restraint with regard to respect for the park that protects and manages what we as visitors are blessed to have and visit at our own free will. The burros seem to know where or when they are wanted, where to reside, yet cautious of their surroundings. Smart burros. 🙂
Yes, very smart. Animals are often good judges of human character.
Very interesting post. I didn’t really know the park service was trying to get them out of the park; I hope they all find hospitable new places to thrive.
I hope so too. There are some towns near the park that seem to welcome them.
Interesting and enlightening post. Donkeys look similar to these burros and are very useful for carrying loads in some parts of this globe.
Thank you and yes, they are the same creature just different names.
They are so cute!! Didn’t you want to take one home with you?
I did and Jim said he wants to adopt some…..
Beautiful post, Cindy 😀
They look very friendly, but like mostly with wild animals, it is better and more secure for us to let them come to us for greetings. Then they decide the speed.
Exactly my philosophy. Animals respect, respect!
I saw burros like this on St. John’s Island in the Virgin Islands many years ago – and loved them.
These pictures are awesome, Cindy, and thank you for sharing with us. You and Jim must make a great team!
They are so smart to stay out of the park. I can’t believe the park relocated them. Very sad.
I have heard of the burros on St. John but have never seen them. I saw them in Santorini but felt very sorry for them as they seemed in truly sad shape.
It seems the burros have learned how to survive in or out of the park. Really adorable and look really healthy with good coats. Great photos!
They did seem healthy and happy which was a relief.
They are certainly cute, and looked to be in good shape! I think you are right to be cautious around any wild animal, but also open-minded.
Thank you Ann. That sums up my approach nicely.
Animals, including donkeys have a right to live where they live. Many humans are really pissing me off. Who do we think we are? A god?
What adorable creatures. I’d love a pet donkey, but he/she won’t fit in the apartment. However, Jeep would love one!
Wonderful post & great shots! TY, Cindy!
I think Herbert would love to have some donkeys, or would the donkeys have Herbert??? Either way, it would be awesome. Hugs to you Resa & thank you always my friend <3
Beautiful creatures 💜
Yes, thank you, they are, and so sorry I missed your message.
No worries 💜💜
<3 <3
They are so lovely, friendly, and gentle. Great photos of these special creatures. 🙂 <3
That is exactly how they seemed. Thank you for seeing and knowing Amy <3
How wonderful! I love the burros … I’d probably rather see them in the park than most of the people! You always have a way of bringing us fun and interesting things. Thank you!
I definitely don’t go to national parks to see people, but I do go to see wild animals, so I am on the same page as you. Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Same here … I go to get away from people, to enjoy nature, whether animals, trees, a peaceful river.
We think alike <3
They say that great minds think alike! 😉
I think they are right <3
They’re so cute!!
Yes they are!
Oh you make them look so cute and affectionate.♥️
Thank you very much. They really were cute and affectionate <3
They are so cute! May they roam free forever.
Just a joy to come to this site. One never knows where the journey will take them
but there is no worry at all about wardrobe. Thanks to this blog I have become a
world traveler with the best seat in the house. Many thanks!
Getting to meet people like you is why I love to blog. Thank you my friend. You are a joy to travel with <3
We’re in need of some expert advice: what do you think is the best time to go to Death Valley? We’re seeking to minimize the number of bipeds that “stomp around and make a mess” and maximize the number of wildflowers. Any advice?
Laughing…..I hear you about those pesky bipeds. The park is so huge, you can go off and explore on your own. There are lots of sites to see in addition to the wildflowers. The approaches to the park are stunning too. The dilemma as you seem to know is that bipeds do flock to see the blooms, especially if it is a super bloom year. I wouldn’t let it deter you though because seeing the desert in bloom is an amazing experience. Keep track of rainfall in the months you are thinking of going. If there is rain, there will be flowers. Here are a couple of links that may help you. Best time for bloom:
https://www.oasisatdeathvalley.com/plan/wildflowers/
Some top sights to see:
https://www.planetware.com/california/death-valley-us-ca-dv.htm
Let me know your impressions. I think you will be impressed!
Whoa! Thank you for all the great information! We were thinking of going in December, but now we may wait for spring. Your thoughts?
Just don’t go in summer. It is too hot to breathe and move around for us who aren’t used to it. December would be awesome. Honestly, it you want to really explore the park, as much as you want, mostly by yourself, early December would be awesome and comfortable. Later, towards the holidays more people arrive.
What a lovely story. Your persistence really paid of. Great that you experienced the donkeys for yourself, rather than just believing the bad press they’ve been given by the national park literature.
Ahhh, thank you. I am so pleased we got to actually meet and interact with them. They were utterly charming.
They are very cute and that was an interesting read about your outing to see them, Cindy! I think that if they have been there since the 1800s and are still surviving, they should be allowed there especially since they are not affecting negatively the existence of other animals and even provide a food source for the mountain lions. Well, whether wild or domesticated, I hope they will continue to thrive! 🙂
Thank you Halim. I share your hopes and appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Great pics and interesting story Cindy. I love driving around Death Valley.
Thanks Gary. It is a fascinating place isn’t it.
Yes!!!
Delightful post, Cindy. You really captured these cute animals. My preschool class would love to pat a burro.
Oh, it would be so fun for them to see the foals!
Yes, yes!!
I speak kid. They are so honest. I love being around children. So do you obviously. Good on you! And thank you <3
I’m so glad you speak kid, Cindy. Aren’t we the lucky ones!
Yes we are. Non-kid fluents don’t know what they are missing <3
Yes! 😍
Nice photos! Burros are cute. Years ago when I was in Oatman, Arizona, I saw some. They wander in about a dozen at a time and roam the streets. Burros are welcome there. Check out Oatman’s site: http://www.oatmangoldroad.org/burro.htm
I have been hearing about Oatman. Thank you for the link. I love a town that embraces and celebrates these amazing creatures.
You are welcome!
Aww. They are so cute! Since they are eaten by mountain lions, I think they are probably being kept in check although if the locals are feeding them that will increase their fecundity. There are situations in which removing a non-native species seems a good idea, but in this case I’m not so sure.
I hear you. I like that you are keeping an open mind.
What a fascinating photo essay. It’s remarkable that the burros can thrive in such a harsh environment. It doesn’t seem quite right that they’re being labeled an invasive species when man brought them to the park in the first place.
I agree with you Liz. We tend to be a rather inconsistent species don’t we.
Indeed we do.
<3
Life must be tough for a furry creature when the temperature reaches 134 degrees.
Amazing isn’t it! They dig holes to find water that are us to five feet deep.
Thanks for sharing the burro story, Cindy. 🙂 It’s a shame that the park gas kicked them out, so to speak. It seems like they were fitting just fine. They are definitely cuties. 🙂
Thank you for appreciating the burros Lynette and I agree with you. It is a shame. I say the burros be!
Wild burros might be “mean,” but boy, are they ever cute! They don’t look all that big either. I’m sorry they’re seen as “invasive,” and pesky, when to me, they just look like big stuffed toys, ha!
They are beautiful aren’t they and so gentle and sweet. The can be mean when threatened or defending their young but so can I!
Me, too! Defending their family is in the Mom Book!
Yeah. And we rock because of this <3
Love them!!!… 😀
I <3 people who <3 burros!
❤ 😊
Oh, Cindy, they have such sweet faces. This really was fascinating too. Sharing. Thanks for bringing us along. Hugs on the wing!
You are awesome to travel with Teagan <3
It is hard to be misunderstood, – especially so if your’e cute, furry and lovable !
Smiling. Very true <3
Thank you – I have never known what these look like until now.
I have never seen wild burros before either. Happy you enjoyed.
So adorable looking.Thank you for that wonderful insight into something I knew nothing about.
Thank you for caring about the burros!
Used to love petting the burros at Knott’s Berry Farm when I was a kid. They’re the teddy bears of the donkey world.
I used to go there as a kid and I took my kids there.
Super cute they are! Wonderful. We have spent a night camping out in the Park but we did not see any. It must have been magic to get so close to them. Thanks for posting!
Thank you even more for appreciating them & cheers!
I couldn’t help ooing and awing over this post! The burros are adorable and what luck you were able to meet up with a local resident to get a closer look at them.
Thank you Stephanae. He was just as kind as the sweet burros and they all made for a very special day <3
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I so admire what you do. Thank you on behalf of burros everywhere <3
Oh, I love donkeys and burros. I can’t understand why they would be unwelcome in the park. You see them in Red Rock Canyon in Vegas. Beautiful shots and you have captured their fluffiness! When I lived in Scotland there was a lonely horse living in a field but eventually the farmer bought him a donkey. They really enjoyed each other’s company and I cuddled them every day.
Thank you Kerry. I am happy for that lonely horse and donkey. Sweet. I have seen wild horses in Red Rock Canyon, but this was my first experience with wild burros and they are wonderful.
Pingback: Death Valley’s Wild Burros~ Cindy Knoke | Sue Vincent's Daily Echo
I am honored Sue. Thank you.
I so enjoyed this story of the wild burros, Cindy. I just came from Cumberland Island on the east coast and there is a similar story about the feral horses there. Non-native feral mammals can be a problem in the parks for so many reasons, but still, they are living beings, so it is a delicate situation. I loved that you and your husband set out to find where the burrows have been relocated, and found them. Great story and adorable photos.
Oh, I am so happy you were there. I want to visit. I read this book, “The Wildest Woman in America.” This wild woman was a remarkable person who lived on the island and dedicated her life to it, and it’s creatures. She said the wild horses were often starving.
I’m reading the book right now! Her name is Carol Ruckdeschel, and what a fascinating woman she is. How uncanny that you read it!
Synchronicity <3
tolle Bilder, liebe Cindy, lasse es dir auch Heute gut gehen, Klaus
Nur das Beste für dich, mein Freund und danke.
so machen wir es
oh, they are beautiful and captivating. xxx
Thank you! I now know this beyond a shadow of doubt.
I love donkeys – very clever and sensitive beings. I can imagine that the tourists are damaging the Death Valley much more than these animals… The little filly is so enchanting! <3
After seeing them in the wild, making their own decisions, and just being so lovely, brings to my mind all the places in the world that I have seen them exploited and abused.
They’re adorable! Your photos make me want to take one home. 😉
You and my husband. Thank you for caring about them.
What a sad yet beautiful post Cindy, the Burros played a major part in history in the old gold mining days, sad to see them now recognized as a pest, they are actually a part of Death Valleys history, thanks for an enjoyable informative post.
“They are now part of Death Valley’s history….” Thank you my friend. This is exactly how I feel. They are now an integral part of the park and their survival is nothing short of impressive.
So much to enjoy in this post! Background to burros in the park, looking for them, successfully finding burros, excellent photos and a day of discovery. Thank you
You are most welcome and I am happy you enjoyed and thank you for letting me know.
Bittersweet post, Cindy. Lovely photos, of course. At what point, I wonder, will humans acknowledge who (more often than not) is the true invasive species.. reaching infestation proportions.
Great post. Cheers!
Great information. They are so beautiful. I am surprise that they don’t put them in a special area of the park. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, I think they are a major park attraction, after all there isn’t much in Death Valley.
Clever….and oh so adorable!
I <3 people who <3 wild burros!
Cute Donkeys!
They were very sweet.
I want one! They are absolutely gorgeous animals. Wonderful photos!
My husband wants two!! Thank you so much for appreciating them <3
🙂
I’ll join the list, I’d love one too! <3
Laughing….they are utterly endearing.
OMG…they’re so cute, Cindy! I get they can be aggressive…but most animals will sense the peace a human brings to the communication. What a great experience!
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! <3
Exactly right. Animals respond to threat like people. I <3 people who <3 wild burros. Thanks for your thoughtful words Lorrie <3
And I ❤ you, too! 😉
💞
Thank you for your gentle presence that day and respect for the burros that led to the beautiful gift of these photos. I’m so glad you got the local human to introduce you. =) These photos — from the first — just lit up my heart! Thank you, Cindy. ♥.
Your comment touches my heart Niki. Thank you my friend for your thoughtful sensitivity and be well <3
Thank you Cindy! =) *hugs* I love your blog. One of my top faves! ♥.
Awwww, honored ♡
=) ♥.
Cindy, your pictures are lovely! I especially love the one of the burro with its muzzle in the car window. So sweet. I am a glad a local was able to introduce them to you guys!
They are incredibly wonderful creatures. Thank you for you for appreciating them.
Yes, they are! You’re welcome.
<3 <3
😁❤
Thanks for reading my third letter from Spain, Cindy.
I saw photographs of a herd of wild burros many years ago and they looked such dear creatures! Thanks again.
Thank you and you are most welcome. It was my pleasure.
These burros are just so cute, sad to hear they have predators 😬. Gorgeous photos Cindy.
Thank you for caring Charlotte. They are the most endearing creatures.
Thank you for the informative write-up, Cindy. They do look so adorable! Awesome photos story as always, my dear. x
Thanks much for letting me know you enjoyed it and take good care.
The burros are very cute! Great photos!
So happy you enjoyed them & thank you for letting me know <3
Pingback: Death Valley’s Wild Burros~ — – Truth Troubles
<3 <3
We spend 2 days in Death Valley and didn’t see any burros. They are fuzzy for such a warm climate.
The burros in Custer state park are very friendly, though they are wild animals and I would never approach a mom with a baby.
Reblogged this on ckbooksblog and commented:
We were in Death Valley for 2 days and didn’t see any. They must hide. The burros in Custer State Park in South Dakota are friendly, pushy too, if you have food, but I’d never approach a mom and baby. I’m not stupid!
Thanks so much for supporting the amazing wild burros Christine & cheers to you.
They are so cute! I would have thought they’d been a part of the ecology of the area for long enough to earn the right to remain, but perhaps there is a good reason for removing them that the authorities know about? I’m trying to be fair here, in the knowledge that some invasive species (like the grey squirrel in the UK, or stoats in NZ) really would be better off removed if we want native species to survive.
Mind you if they are still around the outside of the park, clearing them out probably isn’t doing much good for the local wildlife, if that’s the intention.
I admire you for embracing the complexity. And I very much respect your thinking process. Thank you.
Such adorable creatures, it is sad that they are no longer wanted. By now I would think that they should be considered as an established part of the natural environment. Lovely photos.
Yes! Change is an inevitable part of nature. People introduced them to the park. People need to accept them.
Lovely, clever, sensitive Creatures <3 They have been used, and abused, so much by humans, for such long time! …and now they are to much often forgotten 🙁 … Beautiul Photos! <3 🙂
Yes! So true. Thank you for knowing and caring.
I LOVE your Beatty Burro photos! I am working with the El Portal Motel in Beatty, and we’re wondering if we can use a couple of them on their new website?
Yes of course. Thank you for asking. Please just site the source. Happy you like them & cheers to you! დ