Canyonlands Wild Burro Roundup 2025
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On February 24, 2024, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) launched a helicopter roundup of burros in Utah’s Canyonlands Herd Management Area (HMA). The operation aims to capture 100 burros, all of whom are slated for permanent removal and will be transported to the Axtell Off-Range Contract Wild Horse Facility in Axtell, Utah. Based on the BLM’s unscientific Appropriate Management Level of 60–100 burros, this roundup will cut the remaining burro population in half across the HMA’s 89,392 acres. AWHC is on the ground monitoring the roundup.
2/28/25
Report coming shotly
2/27/25
Date: February 27, 2025
Weather Conditions:
The temperature started in the low 30s and ended in the 50s.
Summary:
Our onsite observer was stationed less than a mile from the trap site, with visibility partially obstructed by juniper trees. As burro numbers dwindled, groups became smaller, and remote roping became more frequent. Instead of driving burros all the way to the trap with the helicopter, teams dispatched trailers closer to capture sites—typically within a mile of the trap. The core team was present for these remote operations. It was evident that locating burros was becoming more challenging, with a few larger groups remaining but mostly scattered small groups, likely bachelors, being brought in.
Total Captured Today (from BLM reports):
23 burros
Temporary Holding:
Temporary holding was on private land located at 38.493990, -110.408498
2/26/25
Weather Conditions:
The temperature started in the 30s and ended in the 50s.
Summary:
Our onsite observer was located less than a mile from the trap site, with good visibility.
This was the final day at this trap location and it was a shorter day. Our observer noted that the contractors were roping the burros, and one 5 year old jack was euthanized at temporary holding for missing his left eye.
Total Captured Today (from BLM reports):
8 burros.
Temporary Holding:
Temporary holding was on private land
2/25/25
Weather Conditions:
Temperatures started in the 30s and rose to the 60s.
Summary:
Helicopters drove burros into the trap, with two burros breaking through the jute and tripping up before being roped. Roping was more frequent today. At times, wranglers prematurely followed the burros into the wings, but adjustments were made on later runs.
Captured burros appeared relatively calm in temporary holding, where water and grass hay were available.
Two burros were euthanized after reaching temporary holding:
- 8-year-old jack – Tumors on sheath area
- 10-year-old jack – Tumors on sheath area
Visibility was very good, with only a large brush partially obscuring a portion of the corrals.
Total Captured Today (from BLM reports):
21 (13 Jacks, 7 Jennies and 1 Foal)
Temporary Holding:
Captured burros were transported to Axtell short-term holding facility on private land, approximately 17 miles away. Due to the distance, observing morning loading was not feasible.
2/24/25
Weather Conditions:
Temperatures started in the 30s and rose to the 60s. Visibility was very good, with only a large brush partially obscuring a portion of the corrals.
Summary:
Helicopters utilized a road to drive wild burros into the trap, with one side of the wing running along the road and the other flaring out. Roping was common throughout the operation. At one point, a burro stumbled while in the wings, with horseback riders close behind.
Total Captured Today (from BLM reports):
23 (14 Jacks, 9 Jennies and 0 Foals)
Temporary Holding:
Captured animals were transported to Axtell, a private facility.