Rise in Burro Sightings Heightens Danger for Motorists

A fatal accident involving a wild burro on State Route 95 has sparked renewed concerns about the presence of wild donkeys in Lake Havasu City. Gary Fratus, 81, lost his life after his car struck a burro and was then involved in a head-on collision on July 19.

Mohave County is notorious for its large population of wild burros. These animals, which can weigh up to 350 pounds and stand about four feet tall, do not reflect light, making them difficult to spot for motorists. The Lake Havasu City Police Department has seen a spike in reports of burros near highways, according to Police Sgt. Kyle Ridgway.

“We urge the community to be especially vigilant while driving near open desert areas,” said Ridgway. Authorities are still examining the incident that led to Fratus’ death. Initial reports listed his injuries as non-life-threatening, but he sadly passed away at Havasu Regional Medical Center.

Efforts to manage the wild burro population have been ongoing for decades. Mohave County Supervisor Buster Johnson highlighted past measures like the construction of a fence along State Route 95 and various burro roundups. However, the expense remains a significant barrier, with millions spent on corrals and roundups.

In 2014, the Arizona Department of Transportation built a $1 million, 12-mile-long barbed wire fence to limit burro access to highways. Yet, the issue persists. Johnson emphasized that the burros are still problematic, especially north of Lake Havasu City.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has warned that the burro population could expand by 15% annually without intervention, potentially reaching over 2,900 by 2026. Last year, the BLM initiated a helicopter-assisted effort to relocate 1,000 burros from Mohave County for adoption. Long-term plans include a 10-year project to capture and geld thousands of burros in regions like Alamo Lake and Big Sandy.

BLM Public Information Officer Dolores Garcia advised motorists to be cautious, especially at night. “Animals are more active during cooler nighttime hours. Please avoid feeding them as it draws them further into roadways,” said Garcia. The BLM plans to conduct another burro gathering in the Havasu area next month to address public safety along State Route 95.

The agency is also collaborating with local communities to educate them on the consequences of feeding wild burros, which encourages the animals to venture closer to human-occupied regions, creating potential hazards.