BLM concludes emergency burro gather in Piute Mountain Herd Area
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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has concluded a wild burro gather in the Piute Mountain Herd Area, San Bernardino County, caused by extreme temperatures and insufficient water availability at Fenner Spring.
An estimated population of 60 to 80 burros living in the area are dependent upon Fenner Spring as their sole water source. In May, BLM Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro staff conducted a census and field monitoring of the wild burros and proceeded to place water troughs in the area to provide alternative water sources. The troughs were found to be insufficient to sustain the burros which prompted the need for the gathering and relocating of burros to prevent dehydration or fatalities due to lack of water sources.
Utilizing water/bait trapping method conducted by the BLM’s Ridgecrest Wild Horse and Burro gather crew, the trapping effort began on June 28. After gathering 41 burros, recent monsoonal rains were found to be sufficient enough to recharge the spring and support the remaining burros in the area. The spring and remaining burros will be monitored to see if follow-up actions are necessary.
All burros captured and removed were transported to the Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro Holding and Adoption Facility where they are being placed in the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption/Sale Program.
The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 is the landmark law that directs federal management of wild horses and burros on U.S. public lands. To help carry out its assignment, the BLM established the Wild Horse and Burro Program, through which the agency manages and protects wild horses and burros, both on and off the range, while striving to maintain rangeland health.
For further information, contact Alex Neibergs through email at aneiberg@blm.gov, or telephone 760-384-5796.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.