UC Riverside issues warning as wild donkeys roam campus

Wild donkeys weighing up to 500 pounds have become a frequent presence at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). The animals, which belong to a herd of several hundred living in the nearby Box Springs Mountain Reserve and surrounding Inland Empire hills, have been spotted near campus dormitories, including Lothian Residence Hall.

University officials have issued warnings to students and staff, advising them to keep their distance and refrain from feeding the animals. Officials noted that handouts can disrupt natural foraging habits and cause the burros to become less wary of humans and vehicles. Drivers on campus are also urged to reduce speeds in parking lots and on campus roads.

While the animals may appear harmless, they are wild and can be unpredictable. The university highlighted the potential risks, noting that donkeys possess powerful hooves and bites. Previous incidents in the region include a 2020 event where five burros were killed and a driver was injured on the 215 Freeway, and a 2021 incident involving donkeys struck by a train in San Timoteo Canyon.