June 22, 2006

Animal magnetism

Lolita is the answer to Blondie’s problems with coyotes

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Blondie Barnd was having problems with coyotes terrorizing cats at her mini-farm in New Almaden. While researching solutions to her problem she discovered that a burro just might be the answer. Then she heard about the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horses and Burros adoption program and the rest, as they say, is burro history.

Lolita is the four-year-old burro that Blondie Barnd adopted last November. She is a descendent of animals brought into the desert southwest by Spaniards in the 1500’s and prized for their hardiness in arid climates. Photo by Julie Davis Berry

“I went to Gilroy and the BLM had an auction for the wild horses and burros,” said Barnd from the sunny kitchen of her house, which is perched high on a hill overlooking the Almaden Valley. “They were all wild—never had seen people. The minimum bid is $125 but with only a few burros [offered], I ended up paying $900.”

The Bureau of Land Management [BLM] is responsible for managing the nation’s public lands, and the wild horses and burros are part of the nation’s living legacy. BLM’s multiple-use mission takes into consideration the natural resources such as wildlife, vegetation and other users such as livestock and recreation. The BLM preserves and protects an estimated 42,000 animals and manages healthy rangelands as well as determining the appropriate number of horses and burros that can be supported in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.

If overpopulation exists, BLM gathers the animals and offers them for adoption. Federal protection and the lack of natural predators have resulted in thriving wild horse and burro populations, with an estimated 9,000 being adopted each year. After caring for an animal for one year, the adoptive owner is eligible to receive title to the animal from the Federal Government. The program has been in effect since 1971.

Lolita is the four-year-old burro that Barnd adopted last November. She is a descendent of animals brought into the desert southwest by Spaniards in the 1500’s and prized for theor hardiness in arid climates. Surefooted, Lolita stands approximately five feet tall with long ears, light beige fur and a short mane. Her face is sweet and docile and that’s probably why Barnd’s daughter named her Lolita. She is still getting acclimated to her new domicile where she stays in an arena until she’s ready to freely explore Barnd’s pasture.

“She would spook easily when I first brought her home,” said Barnd. “Any noise or anything new going on in the neighborhood would frighten her—she was very timid and cautious. But now she’s calmed down and much better. She still won’t go in the covered area [BLM insists that there is protection for the adopted animals] but one of these days she will.”

And Lolita has an admirer—Seabiscuit—Barnd’s horse who is very interested in his new furry companion. As well as Barnd’s dogs and cats that freely roam her property.

“I got her to scare off the coyotes,” said Barnd looking lovingly at her new charge. “A burro will stomp its feet and scare them off. But she’s really just so sweet and precious. I’m glad she’s here.”

For more information on BLM’s wild horses and burros call 1-866-4MUSTANGS or visit www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov/index.php. The next California adoptions sites are June 24 and 25 in Auburn and Sept. 23 and 24 in Bishop. Call 1-661-391-6049.