UPDATE - July 28:Â
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has concluded a wild horse gather operation in the Pancake Herd Management Area (HMA), near Ely, on Sunday.
A total of 105 wild horses were removed from public lands using a water and bait trap method.
The gather was deemed necessary due to limited water and forage, as well as the effects of ongoing wildland fires and the declining health of the horses.
"BLM’s priority is to conduct a safe, efficient, and successful horse gather operation while ensuring humane care and treatment of all animals gathered," the agency stated.
The BLM says removing excess wild horses supports the agency's efforts to meet the Standards for Rangeland Health identified by the Mojave-Southern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council.
By balancing herd size with available resources, the BLM also aims to protect habitats for other wildlife, including sage grouse, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer.
The wild horses that were removed were transported to the Indian Lakes Off-Range Corrals in Fallon, where they will be prepared for the BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sales Program.
Any horses that are not adopted or sold will be placed in long-term pastures, where they will be cared for and remain protected under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.
ORIGINAL STORY - July 18:Â
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The Bureau of Land Management has approved a plan for gathering excess wild horses in the Lahontan herd management area.
The herd management area encompasses around 304,705 acres in Lyon and Churchill counties, about 40 miles east of Carson City, according to a release from the BLM.
BLM estimates the current population to be 518 wild horses based on a 2024 inventory flight.
The bureau is proposing to gather and remove wild horses to achieve the established appropriate management level of seven to 10 wild horses.
"BLM’s priority is to conduct a safe, efficient, and successful horse gather operation while ensuring humane care and treatment of all animals gathered," said the agency in a statement.
Additional information, including the final environmental assessment and other planning documents, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
For more information, please contact the BLM Carson City District at blm nv ccd_whb@blm.gov or (775) 885-6000.
