Did you know that wild burros can recognize each other’s brays from a mile away? Or that burros can outrun a coyote in a high-speed chase? These quirky, resilient creatures are full of surprises. And they’re not just hoofing around in the desert — they’re helping to shape our natural landscapes!
Before the sun officially sets on Burro Awareness Month, here are six things you should know about these unique animals:
A donkey never forgets. No really — burros have an impressive memory! They can recognize locations and other donkeys they haven’t encountered for a quarter of a century.
Burros put on a brave face. Burros use stoicism as a survival tactic. Putting up a strong, healthy front helps them avoid becoming prey in the wild, but it doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain or discomfort!
Donkeys are digestion machines. Their bodies use 95% of the food they consume!
Burro babies aren’t born for a YEAR! A burro’s gestation period is anywhere from 11 to 14.5 months. Like many animals, foals are most often born at night.
Burros are ecosystem engineers! They dig wells in arid deserts, providing essential water sources for native wildlife! Burros even create beautiful desert oases!
The blind burro buddy system: Blind donkeys typically bond with one who can see to serve as a guide. Speaking of eyesight, did you know donkeys can see all four feet at the same time?
