ABOUT BURROS
Many people don't realize what extreme danger wild burros are in as well. The BLM's goal: to have just 3,000 burros in the entire United States.
Burros origonated in the deserts of North Africa. They were brought to the American Southweat by eager gold prospectors hoping to strike it rich. These animals stand 42-48 inches tall, and weigh just 500 pounds. They live primarily in the desert in states including Nevada, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Utah. The word 'burro' comes from the spanish word 'borrico', which conveniently means 'donkey'. Burros are perfect for desert life. They have tough hooves, wooly hair, and a strong digestive system that can break down even the most inedible forage. Burros are mainly solitary or intermittently social. As there is a lack of resources in the desert, many burros in one area is simply not possible. Burros do bray to keep in contact with one another and to establish territory. Big horned sheep outnumber burros 16 to 1 on public land, although the BLM continues to round burros up as well as mustangs.