BLM: Drought Drives Wild Burros to Winnemucca Ranches

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is set to start gathering wild burros after the drought recently drove the animals into nearby ranches in search of water in the Winnemucca area.

In July last year, BLM officials counted 101 burros in the McGee Mountain Herd Management Area and nearby places. However, officials predict about 146 burros based on a May report from the U.S. Geological Survey, excluding foals.

"We haven’t done a wild burro gather in a few years," BLM Winnemucca District spokeswoman Terah Malsam said. "This was more so a request from landowners because the burros have come off HMA land and are breaking down fences to find water sources."

The animals are normally able to live on the McGee Mountain Herd area, which is managed for burros, but the drought dried up their water sources and impacted their forage, she said.

"There are too many burros in the HMA, and with the existing water left over from this winter and spring, there isn’t a lot, so it’s pushing them out to other areas to look for water," Malsam said.

Only 25 to 41 burros should be managed within the McGee Mountain Herd area – a level that’s now way over the limit, Malsam said.

Officials expect to gather at least 125 wild burros starting mid-August. Although the gathering could last several months, BLM officials hope to finish the job within a month. The burros will then be taken to Indian Lakes Off-Range Corral in Fallon.

"They go to an off-range corral where they’re given their shots and vaccinations," Malsam said. "From there, they’ll be prepared for adoption or moved to a long-term facility."

"We’re trying to manage for the health of the burros and the land," she said. "When they don’t have enough water and go in and impact private land, then it becomes an issue."

"With the combination of drought and overpopulation, it leads to unhealthy burros and the fact that they have to strive for food and water elsewhere."

Originally Posted By Reno Gazette Journal