Roundup Report: Blawn Wash HMA and Bible Spring Complex, August 2022
Introduction
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) initiated a roundup in August 2022 to remove approximately 450 wild horses from the Blawn Wash Herd Management Area (HMA) and Bible Spring Complex HMA. This operation, spanning Iron and Beaver counties in Utah, underscores the ongoing conflict between wildlife conservation and livestock grazing on public lands.
Overview of the Roundup
The Bible Springs Complex includes the Four Mile, Tilly Creek, and Bible Springs HMAs. The BLM has set a population limit of 80 to 170 wild horses across these areas:
- Tilly Creek HMA: 37,000 acres, 20-50 horses permitted
- Bible Springs HMA: 62,000 acres, 30-60 horses permitted
- Four Mile HMA: 61,000 acres, 30-60 horses permitted
In contrast, the BLM allows extensive livestock grazing within these HMAs, with thousands of sheep and cows permitted to graze.
Roundup Report
August 20, 2022
The Bible Springs Roundup concluded with the removal of 305 wild horses and the death of one. The operation faced challenges due to monsoon rains, which caused flash flooding and mud near the trap site, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the day's activities.
August 19, 2022
Nineteen wild horses were rounded up and removed. The operation was hampered by flooding rains, which buried part of the trap in gravel. Despite these challenges, the team managed to capture several horses, including a foal that initially escaped.
August 18, 2022
Only one wild horse was captured due to the difficult terrain and the horses' evasive behavior. The team considered using a bait trap in future operations.
August 17, 2022
Seventeen wild horses were captured. The operation faced challenges due to rain and the horses' attempts to escape. Despite these difficulties, the team managed to capture several horses, including a mare and foal.
August 16, 2022
Forty-four horses were captured. The operation was conducted in hilly terrain, making it difficult to observe the horses until they were near the trap.
August 15, 2022
Six wild horses were captured.
August 14, 2022
Thirty-four wild horses were captured.
August 13, 2022
Fifty-three wild horses were captured. The operation involved multiple groups of horses being led into the trap throughout the day.
August 12, 2022
Ten wild horses were captured. Observers noted the stress and agitation of the horses at temporary holding.
August 11, 2022
Approximately 37 wild horses were captured, and one stallion was euthanized due to blindness in one eye.
August 10, 2022
Fifty-one wild horses were captured with no deaths reported. The operation involved several runs, with some horses evading capture.
August 9, 2022
No wild horses were rounded up as helicopters could not locate any horses in the Blawn Wash HMA.
August 8, 2022
Twenty-five wild horses were captured with no deaths reported.
August 7, 2022
Eight wild horses were captured.