Officials Plan Capture of Wild Horses in Central Idaho

Federal officials are set to capture 150 wild horses in central Idaho near Challis, with plans to remove about 50 for adoption. This operation, scheduled to start later this month, will employ a large-scale bait trap method, aiming to minimize stress on the animals.

Editor's Note: This marks progress. In 2009, the BLM used helicopters to capture 366 wild horses, permanently removing 144 from their homes. Three years later, helicopters removed 150 wild horses. Now, five years later, after a PZP birth control program in partnership with WildLovePreserve, the BLM plans to use less traumatic bait trapping to remove just 50 wild horses. Thanks to PZP, the population growth rate in this HMA has decreased, meaning longer intervals between roundups and 70% fewer horses removed. PZP works when you use it to #KeepWildHorsesWild and free on the range.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management announced in a news release that the capture will likely continue through mid-April. The Challis Wild Horse Herd Management Area is under a court decree to maintain wild horse numbers within appropriate management levels.

Officials state that the area should have up to 253 horses, but the current population exceeds 280. Horses selected for adoption will be sent to the Challis Wild Horse Corrals, while mares released back into the wild will receive a fertility control vaccine.

The management area also includes priority sage grouse habitat, which is considered in the planning of these operations.

Originally posted by Boise State Public Radio