Wild burros in the desert near Needles, Ca. (BLM) |
NEEDLES -- 13 wild burros trapped in a remote area near Needles were saved from dying of dehdration in 110-degree heat by an alert rancher and Bureau of Land Management agents.
According to BLM officials, 56 wild burros had already died from the extreme heat -- their bodies clogged up a spring and prevented the surviving animals from reaching water in the Piute Mountain Wilderness, 35 miles west of Needles.
A local rancher saw the deadly situation and alerted officials with the Bureau of Land Management.
BLM agents organized the emergency water airlift.
By Tuesday afternoon, helicopters had brought 4,000 gallons of water to fill troughs that were set up for the animals, the agency said.
Rusty Lee of the Bureau of Land Management said the rancher "saved the lives of the 13 remaining burros."
Bureau officals say the remaining animals are in fair condition and are expected to survive if they continue getting enough water.
According to BLM officials, 56 wild burros had already died from the extreme heat -- their bodies clogged up a spring and prevented the surviving animals from reaching water in the Piute Mountain Wilderness, 35 miles west of Needles.
A local rancher saw the deadly situation and alerted officials with the Bureau of Land Management.
BLM agents organized the emergency water airlift.
By Tuesday afternoon, helicopters had brought 4,000 gallons of water to fill troughs that were set up for the animals, the agency said.
Rusty Lee of the Bureau of Land Management said the rancher "saved the lives of the 13 remaining burros."
Bureau officals say the remaining animals are in fair condition and are expected to survive if they continue getting enough water.
