San Bernardino County is taking steps to manage the growing population of wild burros, which have become a safety hazard on local roads. The county has approved new agreements with the Riverside-based nonprofit DonkeyLand to sterilize and relocate the animals to sanctuaries. These agreements, effective from April 1, aim to address the overpopulation issue by relocating orphaned, sick, or injured burros and castrating 100 donkeys within a year.
County CEO Luther Snoke emphasized the commitment to compassionate solutions, stating, “These partnerships reflect our commitment to local, compassionate and community-focused solutions for managing the wild burro population in San Bernardino County” as reported by the Los Angeles Times. DonkeyLand founder Amber LeVonne expressed enthusiasm for continuing the collaboration, highlighting the positive impact on local burros.
The wild burros, descendants of those used by gold miners over a century ago, have been roaming areas like Big Bear Valley, where they threaten local plant species and cause property damage. The county previously faced disagreements with DonkeyLand regarding capacity issues, leading to a temporary partnership with Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. However, after receiving negative feedback, the county terminated that contract on January 24, 2025, according to the San Bernardino Sun.
The new agreements with DonkeyLand are expected to provide a sustainable solution for managing the burro population, allowing residents to coexist with the animals in a humane way. The nonprofit operates a 2,000-acre wildlife preserve, providing ample space for the relocated burros as detailed by AOL News.
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