BLM to Trap Wild Horses Near Lovelock
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is set to begin a wild horse bait and water trap operation near Lovelock, Nevada. This initiative aims to manage the excess population of wild horses in the Humboldt Herd Area, which is not designated for long-term wild horse management. The operation will help prevent range deterioration and address safety issues.
Operation Details
The BLM’s Winnemucca District will place corrals approximately 10 miles northeast of Lovelock. The gathering of about 100 horses will commence once the corrals are in place and the horses become accustomed to them.
“The Humboldt HA was not designated for the long-term management of wild horses through the Sonoma-Gerlach Management Framework Plan due to the checkerboard land pattern found within the HA and, therefore, is not currently managed for wild horses or burros,” said Humboldt River Field Manager Vic Lozano. “Since this area is not a Herd Management Area managed for wild horses, these wild horses have been identified as excess.”
A Wild Horse Gather Information Line has been established at 775-623-1747. A recorded message will provide information on daily gather activities and updated gather schedules. The BLM will also post daily gather reports at http://bit.ly/HHAGather.
Current Wild Horse Population
There are currently an estimated 282 wild horses in the area, based on an aerial count conducted in May. The agency stated that removing the excess horses will help prevent further deterioration of the range and water resources, as well as address safety issues on roads and private land issues.
Contractor and Adoption Program
The contractor for the operation is Cattoor Livestock of Nephi, Utah. The gathered animals will be transported to the Palomino Valley Center near Reno, where they will be prepared for the BLM adoption program. Horses not adopted will be placed in long-term pastures where they will be humanely cared for and retain their “wild” status and protection under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. The BLM does not sell or send any horses to slaughter.
Originally posted by Elko Daily Free Press.
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