Federal crews airlift water to Southern California desert after wild burros die of dehydration
By APTuesday, August 24, 2010
Feds airlift water to wild burros in Calif. desert
NEEDLES, Calif. — Federal crews are getting something to drink for thirsty wild burros in the remote California desert near the Arizona border.
They’re airlifting thousands of gallons of water to the area, which has been under triple-digit heat.
Bureau of Land Management Needles Field Office Manager Rusty Lee said Tuesday that a rancher found dozens of dead burros clogging a spring last week, apparently in pursuit of water.
Thirteen burros survived from the 69-animal herd, but were blocked from the spring by the other burros’ bodies.
Lee says the bureau has been using water-bearing helicopters to keep portable troughs set up in the area full.
The bureau says the remaining animals are in fair condition and are expected to survive if they continue getting enough water.
