BLM Ely District to Gather Wild Horses in Nevada
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely District is set to gather and remove approximately 120 excess wild horses from the Triple B and Silver King Herd Management Areas (HMAs) in eastern Nevada this November. This initiative aims to address safety concerns and prevent property damage.
The helicopter gathers are necessary to prevent further damage to private property and ensure public and animal safety. Details will be posted as they become available on the district website at http://on.doi.gov/1lGnDYC.
Triple B HMA
The district will remove about 70 excess wild horses from the Triple B HMA, located about 30 miles northwest of Ely. These horses are damaging private property and harassing domestic stock, resulting in landowner complaints. The Appropriate Management Level (AML) for the Triple B HMA is 215-250 wild horses, but the current population is 1,311.
Silver King HMA
Up to 50 excess wild horses will be removed from in and around the Silver King HMA, located about 120 miles south of Ely. These horses pose a safety concern on U.S. Highway 93 and are damaging private property. The AML for the Silver King HMA is 60-128 wild horses, with the current population at 452.
Attempts by the BLM to keep wild horses away from private property and highways, including trapping and relocating animals, have been unsuccessful.
Gathering Process
The BLM will utilize the services of gather contractor Cattoor Livestock Roundup Inc., of Nephi, Utah. The contractor uses a helicopter to locate and herd wild horses toward corrals. The pilot is assisted by a ground crew and a domesticated horse trained to guide the horses into the corral.
The use of helicopters, authorized by the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, has proven to be a safe, effective, and practical means to gather excess wild horses with minimal anxiety or hardship on the animals.
Post-Gather Plans
Wild horses removed from the range will be transported to the National Wild Horse and Burro Center at Palomino Valley in Reno. They will be offered for adoption to qualified individuals. Horses for which there is no adoption demand will be placed in long-term pastures, where they will be humanely cared for and retain their “wild” status under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. The BLM does not sell or send any horses to slaughter.
A Wild Horse Gather Information Line has been established at 775-861-6700. A recorded message will provide information on daily gather activities and schedules. The BLM will also post daily gather information on its website at: http://on.doi.gov/1lGnDYC.
Public Access and Safety
Public lands within the HMAs will be open to the public during gather operations, subject to necessary safety restrictions. The BLM will make every effort to allow for public viewing opportunities. Protocols for visitors to ensure the safety of the horses, the public, and BLM and contract staff are available at: http://on.doi.gov/1lGnDYC under Observation Opportunities.
For more information, contact Chris Hanefeld, BLM Ely District public affairs specialist, at 775-289-1842 or [email protected].
Originally Posted By Elko Daily