If you visit Lake Pleasant and Scorpion Bay Marina in Arizona, you’ll likely see wild burros along the way. Burros are among the many species of wildlife that live around Lake Pleasant and are often spotted in campsites, on trails, and even alongside the road. They also like to stay closer the water in the summer months and are great swimmers.
The burros travel in packs which Dawna Taylor from the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department (MCPRD) said varies in size by the herd, some are smaller, some are larger. “You’ll catch them near Scorpion Bay Marina, and along trails such as Yavapai Point.”
The burros are most active earlier in the morning hours when they’re out getting something to eat before parks and trails get busy, but you’re also likely to see them in the late afternoon when they head back to where they’ll rest for the night. “People may spot them along the roadway in the evening, like around 4 p.m., so slow down. The speed limit is 35mph, but even slower going around the roadway curves at that time of day would be wise,” Taylor added.
She said it’s best to treat them the way you would any other wild animal:
Do’s:
- Enjoy them from a distance
- Respect their space
- Take pictures from afar, pull off safely from the road when driving
- Drive slowly near the lake in case they are on the road
Don’ts:
- Approach, or roll down your window for a closer look
- Feed, or try to draw closer to you
- Leave food behind; this encourages them to forage for scraps instead of their natural food
As tempting as it is to stop and check them out, experts say that’s what you shouldn’t do. “The first thing is to keep your windows up,” said Taylor. “The burros are actually managed by the Bureau of Land Management, but we handle a lot of calls from people who have questions about them.”
Since Taylor has been with MCPRD, she said the number of burros in the area has grown, meaning people are seeing them more often and in areas farther from the lake. However, she said where they roam doesn’t change the way you should interact with them. “They’re wild animals, and we want to keep them that way. The more you feed them, the less likely they are to stay wild,” she said.
Taylor also said approaching them could be risky. “If you have a mom with their young, they’re very protective and can kick and buck. So, please, please don’t approach them and definitely don’t feed them.”
Taylor concludes, “The bottom line is this is their home, and we need to respect their space. They’re cute to watch, but that’s where the interaction should end.”
About Scorpion Bay
Located just 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix in Peoria, Arizona on Lake Pleasant, Scorpion Bay offers convenience and world-class marina services for the entire family. With hundreds of covered and uncovered wet slips, world-class food at the award-winning Scorpion Bay Grill – as well as boat rentals including pontoon boats, jet skis, kayaks and other water toys – you’re sure to find a full day of entertainment on the water. Whether you’re looking for Lake Pleasant hot tub boats (Yachtuzzi), Lake Pleasant House Boat rentals (our floating cabins), or the famous Paqua Park – Lake Pleasant’s obstacle course, you’ll find it at Scorpion Bay Marina. As part of Lake Pleasant Regional Park, visitors can venture out for hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing in the area. Parking is easily accessible, and our no cost electric tram will take guests and their gear from the parking lot to the dock in minutes. Scorpion Bay is managed by Desert Troon Companies http://desert-troon.com/
Learn more at www.scorpionbayaz.com call 928-501-3441, or follow us on:
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Scorpion Bay is Arizona’s premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Come for the fishing or come for the frolicking—either way, incredible mountain views, fantastic dining and world-class marina services await less than an hour out of Phoenix. https://www.scorpionbayaz.com/