That's not a tumbleweed

This porcupine paused briefly, but he was on a mission to get someplace pretty fast, as was the photo op. This was in the Badlands National Park.

Bison

This bull was part of a herd of at least 50 that I was blessed to watch for about 20 minutes while on a drive through Custer State Park in SD. Like a good fish story, you should have seen the one that got away ;) REALLY, there was a HUGE bull about 1/3 the size larger than this "little" guy. BTW 50 is a rather small herd.

Bison

He almost seems to be smiling.
This is his rest time, and he does
look quite content to be living free
in Custer State Park. Windcave National park also in SD is another great place to experience these massive and incredible animals, always from a distance... and a zoom lense ;)

Wild Mustang

It was touching to watch these two friends who didn't seem to care about my presence. I highly suggest taking the tour if you're in South Dakota in the awesome Black Hills, it lasts two hours and if you go "off season" you may be as lucky as I was and have the guide all to yourself in a private vehicle. Oh, and try to go so you'll be finishing up around sunset, WOW. IF I were a horse, I'd love to be living on this 11,000 acres sanctuary.
http://www.gwtc.net/~iram/

Sunset

Wild Mustang on the horizon at sunset.
This was an incredible scene to be part of.

Wild Mustang

Grazing at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
check out their web site, sponsor a horse.
http://www.gwtc.net/~iram/

Bighorn Sheep

This handsome ram was crossing the highway with about 12 lovely ladies of his kind, known as ewes.

Elk in battle

Winner takes all

Elk

On the trail of a scent, give this big guy a lot of room, especially during the rut.

White Tail Deer

These beautiful gals didn't pay much attention to me as I enjoyed watching them browse on the grasses and twigs.