Workshop Explores Solutions to Burro Overpopulation

In a recent workshop held in Kingman, experts and officials gathered to discuss eight potential solutions to address the overpopulation of burros in the Black Mountains. The meeting highlighted the challenges posed by the growing burro population and explored various humane and effective strategies to manage the situation.

Arizona Game and Fish Department biologist Pat Barber presented to county supervisors about the estimated 1,711 burros in the Black Mountain area, which is significantly higher than the 480 burros set by a Bureau of Land Management plan in 1981. Barber emphasized the damage burros cause to habitats and their competition with native wildlife like deer and bighorn sheep for resources.

Barber proposed collecting data on burro impact, raising public awareness, and seeking congressional support. He also suggested forming partnerships with government agencies and organizations to address the issue collaboratively.

District 5 Supervisor Steve Moss expressed concern about the safety risks posed by burros, citing a personal anecdote of a traffic accident involving a burro. Moss outlined seven options for managing the burro population, including fencing, relocation, sterilization, adoption, euthanasia, capturing for commercial sale, and hunting. He dismissed doing nothing as a viable option due to the high costs associated with capturing and feeding burros.

District 2 Supervisor Hildy Angius advocated for a humane solution, suggesting a 60 to 90-day adoption period before burros are given away to non-profit organizations. Angius and Moss plan to discuss the issue with federal officials in Washington, D.C.

BLM Colorado River District Manager Roxie Trost highlighted public safety as a priority and mentioned a trial program to inoculate female burros with PZP contraceptive. An environmental assessment study is also underway.

Bullhead City Mayor Tom Brady and City Manager Toby Cotter discussed the challenges of managing burros within city limits, noting numerous collisions and the impracticality of fencing a large area.

Yuma County District 3 Supervisor Russ Clark argued for more drastic measures, as sterilization alone may not address the current overpopulation. Deniz Bolbol of the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation) called for more fencing and public education to prevent burros from entering urban areas.

Denise Bensusan and Don Martin discussed the environmental impact of burros and suggested infrastructure solutions like underpasses or overpasses to reduce road crossings. Concerns about contraception affecting other wildlife and the need for legislative amendments to the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act were also raised.

At a previous board meeting, opposition to hunting burros was voiced, with some highlighting the tourism value of burros in the region.

Originally posted by Mohave Valley Daily News