Wild Burro Roundup Concludes near Palo Verde

The Bureau of Land Management El Centro Field Office has completed helicopter operations to gather wild burros from private agricultural lands near Palo Verde. Twelve burros that had wandered out of the Chocolate-Mule Mountains Herd Area onto nearby farm fields were captured this morning, all in good condition.

The burros have been crossing Highway 78, endangering themselves and creating a traffic hazard for the public, and wandering onto private land. According to federal law, the BLM, “upon written request from the private landowner… shall remove stray wild horses and burros from private lands as soon as practicable.”

Private landowners report there are up to 50 burros still on private land. The field office will proceed with future actions as needed through water and bait trapping throughout the year.

Today’s gather is part of ongoing management to maintain a healthy population of wild burros and horses on public lands in balance with their environment.  All gathered animals will be examined and, if needed, treated by a veterinarian.  All animals will be transported to the BLM Ridgecrest facility and made available for adoption to citizens willing and prepared to provide good care.

California Desert District   22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553