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UTAH WILD HORSE AND BURRO FACTS
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(Information and graphics courtesy of BLM, Salt Lake District Office)
In the wild, horses and burros prefer to eat grass, but they do
eat some shrubs in the fall and winter. Burros grow to about half
the size of a horse. Males, called jacks, are larger than females,
called jennies. In Utah, grown burros can weigh from 400 to 600
pounds. Babies (foals) can be born at any time during the year, but
most are born between March and July. Well fed and cared for burros
may live to be 30. They have two natural enemies: mountain lions
and coyotes.
Male horses, called stallions, are also larger than females,
called mares. In Utah, a typical wild horse weighs between 800 and
1,000 pounds and stands 14 to 15 hands tall (56" to 60"). When well
cared for, a horse may live for as many as 35 years.
Like people, horses and burros do best when they eat a good mix
of foods. When adopted, the BLM suggests the animal should receive
a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals,
along with clean, fresh water and some salt. Pasture or hay can
provide protein, with grain being welcomed by the animal,
especially during the cold winter.
This is not a BLM operated or BLM sponsored site.
It is run by private wild horse and burro enthusiasts. We are thankful to
the BLM for providing the information which is presented here.
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