Wild Donkeys Invade UC Riverside Campus, Prompting Safety Warnings

Wild donkeys, weighing up to 500 pounds, have become a frequent presence on the University of California, Riverside campus, prompting university officials to issue warnings to students. The animals have been observed near residential halls and across campus roads, leading to concerns about safety.

UC Riverside has advised students against feeding or approaching the burros, emphasizing that these are wild animals with unpredictable behavior. Handouts can disrupt their natural foraging habits and reduce their natural wariness of humans and vehicles, increasing potential risks. Drivers are also being cautioned to reduce their speed on campus roads and in parking areas.

The burros are native to the nearby Box Springs Mountain Reserve and surrounding hills, where a herd of several hundred resides. Their appearances on campus have reportedly increased since 2021, becoming commonplace by 2023. This migration to campus grounds is often attributed to the drying vegetation in their natural habitat during summer and fall, making the university's greener areas more appealing for grazing.

The university shared images of the donkeys on campus, but accompanied them with serious safety advisories. The animals possess powerful kicks and bites, and their presence in such close proximity to campus life poses potential dangers. Past incidents underscore these risks: in 2020, five burros were killed and a driver was injured when a herd wandered onto the 215 Freeway, causing multiple crashes. The following year, six donkeys died after being struck by a train in San Timoteo Canyon.

Despite the safety concerns, some community members have noted the donkeys' role in managing brush, suggesting they might help prevent wildfires. However, university officials are prioritizing the safety of students and the animals by advising against interaction.