Letter to the Editor: More Awareness Is Needed to Protect Our Burros

Dear The Mohave Insider Editor,

I drove through the area on Tuesday and saw a baby burro lying on the side of the road just past the shooting range, with its mother circling nearby. I pulled over to check on them and stayed in my vehicle for a few minutes to make sure the baby was okay.

The baby eventually got up, but while I was still watching, a vehicle carrying tourists stopped nearby. The baby approached their car, and they began feeding it a cracker with peanut butter. I immediately got out and told them not to feed the burro. I was in my state uniform, which may have startled them, and they left shortly afterward. I gave the baby some water before continuing on my way.

What concerned me most was how many burros were along that road while vehicles were speeding through the area. I also saw numerous people pulling over to feed them.

There needs to be greater public awareness about slowing down around wildlife and understanding that feeding wild burros can create dangerous situations for both the animals and motorists. These animals are becoming accustomed to approaching vehicles, and that puts them directly in harm’s way.

I did what I could in that moment, but this is a larger issue that deserves more attention. Protecting these animals will take education, responsible driving, and greater awareness from everyone who travels through the area.

Sincerely,

[Sunshine Palomino]