BLM Warning: Watch for Wild Burros on Highways

Drivers in Southern Nevada are being urged to exercise caution as wild horses and burros are increasingly present along highways. With the end of Daylight Saving Time, earlier darkness reduces visibility, heightening the risk of accidents involving these animals. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) emphasizes the importance of vigilance to ensure the safety of both the animals and travelers.

In the past, numerous wild horses and burros have been hit and killed or sustained injuries leading to euthanization, according to the BLM. The animals can wander onto the road, creating a safety hazard to themselves and for people traveling the highways, including state Routes 159 and 160, and the Lee Canyon, Kyle Canyon, and Cold Creek roads.

“One of the biggest problems is people stopping to see the wild horses and burros and feeding them,” said Krystal Johnson, BLM wild horse and burro specialist. “Now some of the wild horses and burros stay alongside the road waiting for food.”

Feeding and interacting with the wild horses and burros makes them lose aspects of their wild character and associate cars with food. It is illegal to feed, pet, or otherwise harass a wild horse or burro. Individuals can be cited for those activities, and the citations carry a fine.

The number of animals hit by cars varies by year; however, two have been struck in October on state Routes 159 and 160. Both burros died.

Drivers who hit a burro or wild horse are asked to call 911.

Originally Posted By News 3