Recent incidents involving burros on roadways, including a tragic accident that claimed the life of 81-year-old Gary Fratus, have led to preventive measures by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). A cattle guard will be constructed near the State Route 95/I-40 interchange to minimize such incidents.

The accident occurred on July 19 as Fratus was navigating State Route 95, highlighting the dangers that nighttime drivers face from roaming burros, especially near Lake Havasu Municipal Airport. ADOT aims to address this issue with the upcoming construction set for September 23-26, and drivers should anticipate lane restrictions during the hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

To complement these efforts, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) initiated a gathering operation in August to reduce the burro population in the Lake Havasu area. This operation, which started on August 7, successfully captured 110 burros, exceeding the initial goal of 100.

Unfortunately, the operation wasn’t without its challenges; one burro was euthanized due to severe injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. The captured burros are now available for private placement through the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sales Program, providing a new opportunity for these animals.