I-Team Investigates Methods to Control Wild Horse Population
Wild horses are iconic symbols of the American West, yet their growing populations pose challenges for both the animals and the land. A new program aimed at controlling these populations has marked its first anniversary, offering a humane alternative to controversial federal methods.
Volunteers use PZP, an immunocontraceptive, to manage horse populations. Advocates argue this method is more humane and cost-effective than the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) roundups.
Greg Hendricks, director of field operations for the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), oversees this fertility control program in partnership with the Nevada Department of Agriculture. This initiative is the largest of its kind globally, with over 980 horses darted in a year.
Despite its success, the BLM continues to rely on roundups, citing challenges in Nevada's rugged terrain. The BLM's budget for wild horse management has soared, yet roundups remain a costly and controversial practice.
Hendricks, a former BLM employee, criticizes the agency's approach as a short-term fix. He advocates for PZP, which has proven effective in some herds, though the BLM cites logistical challenges in Nevada.
For more information on BLM's wild horse and burro roundups, click here.