NEEDLES, Calif. – More than 40 wild burros have been found slaughtered in San Bernardino County since May, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management.

A $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone with information that can lead to an arrest or conviction of the people responsible for the deaths in the Clark Mountain Herd Area.

A total of 42 wild burros were found with gunshot wounds in various states of decomposition near Interstate 15 between Halloran Springs, California and Primm, Nevada.

The killings are considered illegal as burros are a federally protected animal as stated in the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. Anyone caught capturing, harassing, branding, or killing burros will be subject to a fine and could face prison time for each count.

The deaths are currently under investigation by the Bureau of Land Management law enforcement, along with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“Wild horses and burros are an iconic part of the American West, and part of our national heritage. We will pursue every lead until we’ve arrested and prosecuted those responsible for these cruel, savage deaths, and we welcome the public’s help to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice,” said William Perry Pendley, the BLM’s Deputy Director for Policy and Programs. 

Information about the killings can be called into the WeTip hotline at 800-782-7463 or online here. The tips can be made anonymously.