Salt Wells, Wyoming Roundup: November 22 - December 4, 2013
BLM Photo Courtesy of Colin E. Braley
From November 22 to December 4, 2013, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted a roundup of 668 horses in the Salt Wells Creek Herd Management Area (HMA) in Wyoming's checkerboard area. This operation involved helicopter stampedes and resulted in the permanent removal of 586 wild horses from their natural habitat.
This roundup was primarily conducted to satisfy the demands of the Rock Springs Grazing Association, which benefits from taxpayer-subsidized grazing on public lands shared with the wild horses.
Tragically, three horses lost their lives during the roundup: a grey yearling mare with an injury to her right front leg and hoof, a two-month-old sorrel filly who was stepped on at the trap site causing a broken left hind leg, and a two-year-old grey mare with a right hind leg and hoof deformity.
Only 79 horses were returned to the range after all mares were treated with the PZP fertility vaccine. The remaining horses were transported to the Rock Springs Wild Horse Facility, where most will spend their lives in corrals.
Pictured below are photos from Carol Walker of the horses captured, at their new home the day before snow and after in frigid conditions.
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Photos From the Roundup: Rachel Reeves Photography
Resources:
News:
Wild Horses: December is the Cruellest Month for Salt Wells Creek Part 1
Wild Horses: December is the Cruellest Month for Salt Wells Creek Part 2
Press Releases:
BLM to Begin Massive Wyoming Wild Horse Roundup to Appease Ranchers
BLM Warehousing Wild Horses in Rock Springs Holding without adequate windbreaks or shelter
Government Agrees to Wipe Out Wild Horses from Wyoming Checkerboard