Burros Vex Supervisors: Addressing Overpopulation in the Black Mountains

In response to recent traffic incidents involving burros, Mohave County supervisors are exploring measures to manage the burro population in the Black Mountains. The discussion includes potential collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and legislative actions.

Addressing Burro Overpopulation

District 5 Supervisor Steve Moss has proposed contacting the BLM to reduce the burro population to 817. Options on the table include seeking legislation for hunting permits or filing a lawsuit against the BLM. Although Moss considers hunting permits an extreme measure, he emphasizes the need to address the issue to prevent further accidents.

“Doing nothing is not an option,” Moss said. “Someone is going to die if nothing is done.”

Recent Incidents and Population Statistics

Three burros were killed in separate incidents on the Bullhead Parkway on December 27. While the drivers were unharmed, their vehicles suffered significant damage. In February 2015, another burro was euthanized following a collision on the same road. A herd of about nine burros has been observed grazing along the Parkway.

According to the BLM's 1981 management plan, the local burro population was set at about 400. The 1996 Black Mountain Ecosystem plan increased this number to 817. However, current estimates by Arizona Game and Fish suggest the population is now between 1,746 and 1,827 in the Black Mountains Herd Management Area.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Moss argues that the BLM's adoption program is insufficient for population control. He highlights that state and local agencies lack the authority to manage the burro population, despite their responsibility to ensure public safety. Burros, introduced from North Africa in the 19th century, impact native wildlife by consuming vegetation and damaging habitats.

The BLM rounds up wild horses and burros for adoption to individuals capable of providing long-term care. Without natural predators, burro herd sizes can double in four years. The region hosts one of the largest burro populations in the country, with over 207,000 wild horses and burros adopted since 1973.

Public Safety and Legal Considerations

Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter Director Sandy Bahr acknowledges the importance of public safety but notes that the state lacks the authority to issue hunting permits for burros.

Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, the supervisors will hold their board meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the county administration building, 700 W. Beale St. in Kingman.

Originally posted by The Mohave Valley Daily News