Someone has been shooting burros in Death Valley National Park/NPS file

Burros are considered invasive animals at Death Valley National Park, but that doesn't mean folks can use them for target practice. Recently someone did just that, shooting and killing five burros in the Lower Wildrose area on the west side of the park.

Burros are not native to the California desert and public land managers are engaged in work to remove the animals from the sensitive desert environment by working with partners. The five burros were not part of any internal removal efforts.  

Park staff did not immediately respond Friday to an email inquiring the type of firearm used to kill the animals and what was done with the carcasses. Regardless, it is illegal to discharge a firearm in a national park and it poses a threat to public safety. The abandoned carcasses also endanger native wildlife who inadvertently ingest toxic lead shot when feeding on the dead animals.  

Burros are known to damage sensitive desert springs through trampling, overgrazing of vegetation, and fouling of water. They also compete with bighorn sheep and other native wildlife for scarce desert resources such as food and water. They often damage important cultural sites, including historic cabins and archaeological sites. 

While these animals have a negative impact on the natural and cultural desert environment, park officials say these irresponsible actions are not warranted.   

Information from park visitors could be very helpful for this investigation. If you have information that could help the park find the individuals behind the killings, submit a tip. Those who submit a tip may do so anonymously. 

To submit information, call or text the National Park Service Tip Line: 888-653-0009.