The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering a reward for information on the death of 19 wild burros. The reward is linked to an investigation from August 13, 2019. That’s when officials say they found the 19 animals along Interstate 15 between Baker, California and Primm, Nevada. However, the BLM is now adding a $10,000 reward for more information.
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Wild burros are donkeys sometimes considered invasive and found in places like Death Valley National Park. However, despite not being native to North America, the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 federally protects the animal. The rule protects the animals from “capture, branding, harassment, or death; and considers them an integral part of the natural system of public lands managed by BLM.”
The BLM oversees a lot of land in the area, including the Hollow Hills Wilderness.
According to the press release about the investigation from 2019, BLM special agents were able to identify the weapons used as a .30-06 caliber rifle. Agents found ammunition at the scene. The potential suspects may have marked the bottom of the cartridges with red/orange paint. Agents say they recovered projectiles in the area matching this description.
Officials are looking for two vehicles of interest and shared photos of the trucks. They say both were last seen at Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino in Primm, Nevada. One vehicle is a gray or silver 2008 Toyota cab pickup with flared fenders and a brush guard. The other truck is a white 2008 Toyota extended cab pickup with a white camper shell, white rims, sunroof, and brush guard.
Anyone with information should call the 24-hour BLM tipline at 909.987.5005. If you provide information leading to the prosecution of those responsible, you will receive the $10,000 reward.
