LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Eleven burros died near Owls Hole Spring in Death Valley National Park.
The National Park Service say they suspect a harmful algae bloom. Officials say the spring should be considered unsafe for humans or pets to drink or touch. Park rangers placed a warning sign at the spring.
NPS says people and pets should not handle the carcasses.
A harmful algae is suspected because algae and cyanobacterial occur when water is slow-moving, warm and contains high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Park rangers say all of those conditions existed at the spring this summer when the water was stagnant.
Death Valley experienced its hottest summer on record this year and feral burros defecated in and near the water.
“I hate to see any animal suffer,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “The National Park Service is working to remove feral burros from Death Valley, for their own safety and to reduce impacts to native wildlife.”
Park rangers say other animals are likely affected, but no pupfish live in the spring.
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