Burro hunting in the Mojave National Preserve

Two days ago we were hiking in an area of the preserve that we had not yet explored.  

We found something unexpected--evidence of feral burros.  From what we had read and heard these animals were removed from the preserve several years ago. 

Here is our evidence, and it is quite compelling,  First of all, we saw hundreds of prints like these:

And scat that looked like this, some of it fairly fresh:

So today, after confirming that these tracks and scat were indeed indicative of burros, we decided to go back to the area and explore some more, hoping to catch sight of one.

Alas,we did not, but the area is large and there are many places for it or them to avoid detection.

But we did get to see a grand sight--a beautiful ram on the top of a mountain.  I exposed two rolls of film (you understand) on him, but will spare you all of them except two.

Isn't he spectacular?

We will go back to this (intentionally unnamed) area again in the next few days and continue our burro hunt.  We know at least one is there.  How exciting