Sinbad Wild Burro Roundup Report - April 2022
Introduction
The Sinbad Herd Management Area (HMA) spans 99,241 acres of public and private lands, currently home to 328 burros. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to reduce this number to 50-70 animals, citing land degradation concerns. However, new scientific evidence suggests that wild burros contribute positively to desert ecosystems by digging wells that increase water availability. This report covers the details of the Sinbad Wild Burro Roundup conducted in April 2022, including the BLM's actions and the American Wild Horse Conservation's (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) oversight.
Roundup Overview
Starting April 30th, the BLM aimed to remove approximately 300 wild burros from the Sinbad HMA using helicopters to drive them into traps. The plan included administering fertility control vaccines to about 20 jennies, which would then be released. All captured burros were transported to the Axtell Off-Range Contract Wild Burro Facility.
The contractor for this operation was Cattoor Livestock, a frequent partner of the BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for helicopter roundups. Since 2006, Cattoor has earned over $26 million from contracts with these agencies. The Sinbad roundup alone cost taxpayers $139,980, with a projected lifetime cost of $14.4 million to house the captured burros.
Observations and Outcomes
The American Wild Horse Conservation (AWHC) had observers on-site to ensure accountability. The cumulative totals for the roundup were 153 wild burros captured and one fatality.
Daily Reports
May 5, 2022: Seven burros were captured, marking the end of the roundup.
May 4, 2022: Seventeen burros were captured, with one fatality reported due to a spinal cord injury.
The following observations were made by AWHC field representatives:
The observation site was located north of I-70, providing a clear view of the trap wings but not the pen itself. The helicopter began operations at 6:45 am, with several wranglers on the ground. Seven burros were roped and brought in, with some requiring trailers for transport due to refusal to move.
BLM later reported a fatality during the operation, stating that a 7-year-old male sustained a spinal cord injury after falling into a drainage ditch.
Temporary holding facilities were visited, where burros were found to be quiet and subdued. Many were quarantined due to lice infestations.
May 3, 2022: Six burros were captured. Observations were similar to previous days, with the helicopter and wranglers working efficiently.
May 2, 2022: Sixty-six burros were captured with no fatalities. AWHC representatives were on-site, observing the operations closely.
Today, the trap was moved south of I-70, providing a clear view of the operations. The helicopter and wranglers worked efficiently, capturing 44 burros in the morning and 15 in the afternoon.
May 1, 2022: Four burros were captured with no fatalities.
April 30, 2022: Fifty-three burros were captured. AWHC representatives and other observers, including staffers from Utah Senator Lee's office, were present.
There were nine helicopter runs, with two helicopters and six wranglers involved. The burros appeared healthy, with a body condition score of 4.
The Runs
- Eleven burros were roped, including a jenny and her foal. The BLM could not confirm if they were reunited.
- In some cases, it took multiple wranglers to capture a single burro, using ropes around the neck and sometimes the back leg.
- The observation site provided decent visibility, although jute fencing obscured some views.
- Helicopters were airborne for extended periods, and some burros appeared sweaty upon arrival at the trap.
All captured burros were transported to the Axtell corrals.
