Wild burros, the free-roaming descendants of domestic donkeys, are present in the diverse landscapes of Nevada. These resilient animals have become an iconic part of the American West. Their presence is a testament to their adaptability to arid environments and their ability to thrive in challenging desert conditions.
Historical Presence
Wild burros arrived in the Americas with Spanish explorers in the 16th century, valued for their ability to carry heavy loads across rugged terrain with minimal resources. Their journey to Nevada accelerated during the 19th-century mining boom. Prospectors and miners relied heavily on these animals to haul equipment, supplies, and ore through the state’s remote areas. Burros were suited for navigating narrow mine shafts and enduring harsh desert climates.
As mining operations waned and towns were abandoned, many burros were either released or escaped into the wild. These abandoned animals formed the foundation of the wild populations that now roam Nevada. Their ability to survive on sparse vegetation and limited water allowed them to establish thriving herds across the state.
Current Status and Management
Today, wild burros roam various parts of Nevada, with an estimated population of 2,931 as of 2022. The total wild horse and burro population in Nevada was approximately 38,000 as of March 2024, significantly exceeding the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) appropriate management level (AML) of 12,811 animals for the state. The BLM manages these populations under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, which protects wild burros as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West” and mandates their management on public lands.
The BLM oversees 83 wild horse and burro herd management areas across approximately 15.6 million acres in Nevada. Management efforts include gathers, where animals are humanely removed from the range due to overpopulation or to prevent resource damage. These removed animals are then offered for adoption to qualified individuals. Fertility control methods are also employed to help slow population growth.
Ecological Role
Wild burros interact with the Nevada ecosystem primarily as grazers. They consume various types of vegetation, including grasses and shrubs. Their grazing habits can impact the availability of forage for native wildlife species.
In areas with high burro concentrations, their presence can lead to overgrazing and trampling of sensitive habitats. This can affect the health of rangelands and water sources, particularly in arid environments where resources are already limited. Managing their populations helps maintain a balance within these ecosystems.
Observing Wild Burros
Several areas in Nevada offer opportunities to observe wild burros in their natural habitat. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just west of Las Vegas, is a common viewing location, particularly near Spring Mountain Ranch and the town of Blue Diamond. The town of Beatty, located near Death Valley National Park, is also known for its resident burro population.
Other notable areas include the Marietta Wild Burro Range southeast of Hawthorne and the Hickison Wild Burro Territory near Austin. When observing these animals, maintain a respectful distance, ideally at least a school bus length away. Feeding wild burros is illegal and can be harmful to their health, leading them to lose their natural fear of humans and increasing risks for both animals and people.