Burros and wild horses link Arizona to its past. Protected under federal law by the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service since 1971 in ten western states, they are “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West” that “contribute to the diversity of life forms within the nation and enrich the lives of the American people.” The Salt River wild horses are also protected pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 3-1491 (aka the Salt River Horse Act).
The Salt River wild horses roam near the lower Salt River in the Tonto National Forest. We recently saw some of them off of the Bush Highway near Blue Point. The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group is under contract through the Arizona Department of Agriculture to manage the wild horse herd in a humane manner. Their work includes collecting data, controlling fertility, a rescue program for critically injured horses, an emergency response program to address issues associated with drought, a habitat improvement program and a road patrol. These programs are paid for by the public at no charge to the state or federal governments. If you’d like to get involved, you can sponsor a wild horse and learn more through the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group’s website.
Spaniards introduced burros to the desert southwest in the 1500s, and most of America’s wild burros now live in Arizona. Burros were used by explorers, pioneers and prospectors as pack animals, and they survived even with the challenging conditions of the desert claimed the humans who owned them. Wild herds eventually formed, and they have flourished.
While most wild burros are grey with a white muzzle and underbelly, their colors include: black, brown, grey, red roan, pink and blue. Averaging just below four feet in height, burros typically weigh about 500 pounds. In case you were wondering, a jack is a male burro, while females are referred to as jennies.
Burros are extremely intelligent animals. Surprisingly, they are capable of running nearly as fast as horses. However, when potential danger lurks, burros calmly assess a situation prior to escaping. They defend themselves and their established territory with dangerous kicks when faced with potential threats. These traits make burros excellent guard animals!
Burro Awareness Month takes place in May and celebrates these steadfast and hardy icons of the American West. If you’d like to see some of Arizona’s wild burros, we recommend taking a drive along the Carefree Highway west of I-17. Even if you don’t spot any burros, the wildflowers are dazzling!
RESOURCES:
The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group
