Where the Wild Things Are – Wild Burros Big Bear Lake

Take a walk on the "wild" side

Roaming herds of mildly gentle natured burros are where the wild things are in Big Bear Lake, California. Located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, Big Bear is home to many wild animals that thrive in the Big Bear mountains. Black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, fox and deer are among some of the animals that prefer to hide from people and are rarely seen. You may find bald eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys and more birds soaring the Big Bear sky way. More common wild sightings are of the playful squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, coyotes and donkeys. Some of Big Bear's most treasured assets! Booking the perfect cabin is essential when looking for these wild animals! Wild Burro is the perfect cabin as it sits on 2 acers of land with gorgeous views!

Experience burros roam free during the day and enjoy their evening echoing he-ya calls.

Burros protected since 1971

These four legged animals from the past are protected, graze the land, and roam free.  35,000 acres of US Forest Service Land within the San Bernardino Mountains are their home. There are plenty of destination spots to see the wild burros in Big Bear, near Baldwin Lake and Shay Meadows. Additionally, you may encounter the burros in their natural habitat, as they roam, graze, rest and play.

Still a Big Bear Mystery

Their arrival to Big Bear is still a mystery, and these animals add to the history and mystery of this native landscape. There are several tales that hint of burros escaping from movie sets or being released after their movie shoot. Some speculate that they were released from fox farms that collapsed during the Great Depression. Ranchers may have used the wild burros to keep coyotes and foxes away, as burros are known to be great protectors of livestock. Gold Rush miners, common in the region from the 1850s-1940s, may have used the burros to mine gold and later released them. Regardless, these burros transport us back in time to the historic days of Big Bear where your imagination can run wild and free. Known as “living symbols” of the West, the burro has been protected from capture and harassment, since1971.

Wake up to Views of nature

Enjoy the Wild Burro and Burro Springs vacation lodges and cabin rentals at Big Bear Lakefront Cabins. Both host views of the burros from the deck! It's a spectacular sight to see, while enjoying your morning coffee with a view. Please remember... don't be an A$$...  While they may seem friendly, enjoy the burros from afar and remember to respect all animals.  Therefore, any interactions with animals should be respectful and follow local regulations to ensure the well-being of the animals, your safety and their natural environment. Please do not harm or harass the animals in any way. Appreciate them from a distance.