Ongoing Nevada Drought Prompts Muster of Wild Horses in Little Fish Lake Area

Federal authorities in Nevada are taking action to protect wild horses in the Little Fish Lake herd management area due to severe drought conditions. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to gather these horses to ensure their survival amidst a lack of forage.

Planned Helicopter Muster

The helicopter muster is scheduled for February 8, targeting 150 wild horses in the area, located about 70 miles northeast of Tonopah. Of these, 50 horses will be released back into the area after the mares are treated with the birth control agent Porcine Zona Pellucidae (PZP-22).

Adoption and Relocation

Approximately 100 horses will be relocated to the Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse & Burro Corrals in Ridgecrest, California, where they will be prepared for public adoption. After the operation, around 100 horses will remain in the herd management area.

Impact of Drought Conditions

The BLM has reported that drought conditions have persisted throughout Nevada since 2012, leading to emergency conditions in Nye County that threaten the health and well-being of the wild horses. The US Drought Monitor indicates that the herd management area is experiencing severe drought, compounded by overutilization by wild horses, resulting in limited forage availability for the winter.

The lack of vegetation and the impact of overpopulation by wild horses are also affecting important habitats used by the greater sage-grouse. The BLM intends to offer public viewing opportunities for the operation.

Originally Posted By Horse Talk