BLM and USFS COVID-19 Response to Wild Horse and Burro Management

As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) is closely monitoring how the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) are managing wild horses and burros. While those roaming freely on public rangelands remain unaffected, the thousands held in government facilities face unique challenges. This article explores the agencies' responses to ensure the well-being of these iconic animals during the crisis.

BLM's Response

According to the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program, as of March 2020, 48,983 unadopted and unsold animals are held at various Off-Range facilities:

• 12,438 animals at 26 Off-Range Corrals, including 11 public preparation facilities and 15 public and privately contracted maintenance facilities.
• 35,403 horses at 33 privately contracted Off-Range Pastures.
• 1,142 horses at 4 public Off-Range Pastures.

Delta holding corrals in Utah. Photo by Kimerlee Curyl.

Paul McGuire, Outreach Specialist with the National BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program, stated that the BLM is adapting to COVID-19 by minimizing transmission risks while maintaining essential services. This includes:

• Continuing essential care such as feeding and watering, while discretionary care like routine hoof trimming may be temporarily suspended.
• Assessing and potentially canceling or postponing upcoming events, with online adoptions/sales still scheduled.
• Suspending most animal shipments to support social distancing.

Helicopter gathers are suspended until July 1, aligning with peak foaling season, though bait and water trap gathers may proceed on a case-by-case basis.

Forest Service's Approach

The Forest Service operates two holding corrals: one at Carson National Forest in Bloomfield, NM, and the Double Devil Wild Horse Corral at Modoc National Forest in Alturas, CA.

Horses at the Carson National Forest Corrals. Photo: Carson NF

Carson National Forest is caring for 35 wild horses, with only half available for adoption due to social distancing measures delaying veterinary preparations. Sean Kelly, Wild Horse Coordinator, noted that caretaking continues as usual, with limited interaction with others.

Bait trapping and adoptions at Bloomfield corral continue, though demand is limited. Potential adopters must answer health and travel questions before entering any USDA facility.

In contrast, Modoc National Forest has not disclosed the number of horses at Double Devil Corral post-2019 roundup. Ken Sandusky, Public Affairs Officer, confirmed that horse care practices remain unchanged, with adoptions and sales ongoing despite the pandemic.

AWHC will soon update on concerns regarding the Forest Service's attempts to sell captured wild horses for $1 each, including free transport.