Fertility Control Planned for Eureka Wild Horses
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is set to commence a significant initiative aimed at managing the wild horse population in Eureka, Nevada. This effort involves gathering approximately 500 wild horses, treating a portion with fertility control, and offering adoption opportunities to the public.
Fertility Control and Population Management
The BLM plans to gather around 500 wild horses south of Eureka. Approximately 150 mares will receive a two-year fertility control vaccine and be released back into the Fish Creek Herd Management Area (HMA) along with about 150 studs. Additionally, up to 200 horses will be removed from the HMA and placed into the BLM’s adoption program.
The Fish Creek HMA, located roughly 20 miles south of Eureka, currently houses an estimated 549 wild horses, exceeding the appropriate management level of up to 170 animals. The BLM's decision to implement a long-term population control plan stems from recent population inventories, ongoing drought conditions, and monitoring data indicating the impact of overpopulation on rangeland resources.
Gathering and Treatment Process
The initial phase of the plan involves using a helicopter to gather horses for fertility control treatments and removal. Future phases may include ground darting for booster treatments and bait and water trapping to capture horses for further fertility control.
Public Participation and Adoption Opportunities
The public is invited to observe the gather and is encouraged to check the gather hotline nightly at 775-861-6700 for departure times and other relevant information. Additional details can be found at BLM's website.
An adoption event will be held at the BLM Eureka Fire Station on February 28, where approximately 10-20 weanlings and yearlings will be available for adoption. The remaining horses will be transported to the National Wild Horse and Burro Center at Palomino Valley near Reno, Nevada, for preparation for public adoption. More information about the facility is available at BLM's facility page.
Originally posted by Elko Daily Free Press.