Many residents of the San Jacinto Mountain community of Leche Canyon are opposed to San Bernardino County’s plan to remove part of the area’s famous and beloved wild burro habitat. .
Nearly 70 wild animals have already been rounded up since the county’s contract with the Texas-based organization Peaceful Valley Donkey Conservancy went into effect on Dec. 1.
“We really embrace them as part of the community,” Leche Canyon resident Brandi Augenstein told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson. “Sometimes it’s fun to watch the donkeys from the porch. Just watch them run by.”
Donkey watching in the Leche Valley is cherished by many residents and tourists.
A wild donkey seen in the Leche Valley at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains on December 16, 2024. (KTLA) A wild donkey seen in Leche Canyon at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains on December 16, 2024. (KTLA) Wild donkey spotted at Donkeyland in Riverside on December 16, 2024. (KTLA) Wild A wild donkey seen in the Leche Valley at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains on December 16, 2024. (KTLA) A wild donkey seen at Donkeyland in Riverside on December 16, 2024. (KTLA) A wild donkey seen in Leche Canyon at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains. December 16, 2024, San Jacinto Mountains. (KTLA) Wild Barros seen in the Leche Valley at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains on December 16, 2024 (KTLA)
“They are part of the wildlife,” Augenstein added. “Being able to live surrounded by natural beauty is part of rural life. I don’t believe removal is the answer. We have hundreds of thousands of acres of land here in the Leche Valley. ”
But in recent years, the donkey population has caused several problems, including traffic accidents and congestion in the busy canyon.
“People will stop and feed the donkeys and try to pet the donkeys,” Robert Cochis, who lives in the area, told KTLA. “You don’t want to do that. So they’re used to approaching cars expecting food.”
California’s notorious ‘Sweetheart’ murderer dies in prison at age 75
What some residents argue is proper county enforcement of concerns about the loro population, a much-needed service that would feed the loro population and keep it under control. It is claimed that animals provide this.
“If this brush continues to grow and dry out, this is going to be a real handful for firefighters,” Kocsis added. “It really isn’t the same valley without them.”
The area is also home to Donkeyland, one of the largest wild donkey facilities in the country, founded by the late Bob Barker of “The Price is Right” fame.
Donkey Land officials released a lengthy statement on the matter, saying they were notified of the donkey removal only after the county began rounding up the donkeys.
“Unfortunately for San Bernardino County, all of our efforts to help wild spotted cod remain in the area they have called home for the past 75 years have not been successful enough. ” the statement reads in part.
As for the 68 wild donkeys already captured by authorities, they are currently being held on county land, possibly awaiting shipment to Texas.
Source link
