Aerial Survey Recording Burro Population In Northwest Phoenix Area

By Al Macias
Published: Monday, June 19, 2017 - 5:05am
Updated: Monday, June 19, 2017 - 10:27am

Starting Monday, residents in the far northwest Valley may see or hear a small, low-flying aircraft near Lake Pleasant.  The flights are part of a federal and state effort to count wild burros.

The aerial survey may take up to six days, during which the agencies will work to record the number and location of burros observed along pre-designated flight paths. The Arizona Game and Fish Department is also embarking on a three-year study to evaluate the effects of burros on Arizona’s wildlife and their habitat.

The studies are part of partnership efforts between the Bureau of Land Management and state agencies to address the issue of overpopulation of wild burros in the state.

Other areas north of the Valley from Anthem to Black Canyon City and west to Wickenburg are also being surveyed.