BLM begins emergency gather to save wild burros in the Piute Mountain Herd Area

NEEDLES, Calif. – Due to extreme temperatures and insufficient water availability, the Bureau of Land Management began an emergency gather of wild burros on Friday, May 31, using a temporary water and bait trap method in the Piute Mountain Herd Area in San Bernardino County.

“This emergency gather will protect the health of the wild burros in the Piute Mountain Herd Area,” said Needles Field Manager Ron Nuckles. “Fenner Spring is the only water source in the area and is not producing enough water to support the wild burros and other wildlife on the landscape.”

The BLM will gather and transport the animals to the Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro Corrals, where they will be made available for adoption or sale. To minimize disturbances to the animals and allow BLM staff to safely perform gather operations, there will be no public viewing.

The BLM is conducting the gather under the Capture Plan for Wild Burro Gather and Removals for the Piute Mountain Herd Area. To view the decision record and other National Environmental Policy Act documents, visit the BLM National NEPA Register.

The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 directs federal protection and management of wild horses and burros on public lands. The BLM established the Wild Horse and Burro Program to manage and protect wild horses and burros, on and off the range, while striving to maintain rangeland health.

Wild burro gather reports and additional information can be found at the 2024 Piute Mountain Wild Burro Emergency Gather website. For information on how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro from the Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro Corrals, please send a request to BLM_CA_RidgecrestCorrals@blm.gov, or visit the BLM’s website.