The problem:

Every year, Big Bear’s historic and beloved wild burro population faces a deadly threat on our local roads. The crisis is most severe on State Route 38, stretching from Hatchery Drive all the way to Big Bear Boulevard (Greenway Drive).

Entire herds of burros actively cross this specific corridor at all hours of the day and night. Because burros have thick, dark coats and their eyes do not reflect headlights in the pitch black, they are virtually invisible to drivers until it is too late. The transition from higher-speed mountain driving into our local community makes this stretch a black spot for high-speed, devastating collisions. These accidents leave burros severely injured or killed, cause thousands of dollars in property damage, and put human lives at extreme risk.

Standard, static street signs are no longer enough to protect motorists or wildlife. We need aggressive, modern traffic-calming measures before another tragedy occurs.

What We Are Demanding:

We, the undersigned residents, neighbors, and visitors of Big Bear, urgently petition Caltrans District 8 to implement immediate traffic safety interventions on SR-38 between Hatchery Drive and Big Bear Boulevard:

Active Flashing Signage: Install permanent, highly visible "Burro Crossing" warning signs equipped with active, solar-powered flashing lights to capture driver attention 24/7.

Tactile Road Alerts (Rumble Strips): Cut in-lane rumble strips into the pavement approaching this high-risk zone. The physical sound and vibration will instantly snap distracted or speeding drivers to attention.

Reduced Speed Zones: Evaluate and implement lower speed limits or flashing speed advisory zones during peak wildlife movement hours.

Our wild burros are a vital part of Big Bear’s history and ecosystem. Motorists deserve safe roads, and our wildlife deserves protection.

Sign this petition today to demand that Caltrans District 8 acts now to install flashing signs and rumble strips on Highway 38!