Roundup Report: Twin Peaks HMA, July/August 2022
The Twin Peaks Herd Management Area (HMA) witnessed a significant roundup operation in July and August 2022. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aimed to capture approximately 2,000 wild horses and 339 wild burros from this vast 800,000-acre area along the California-Nevada border. This report provides a day-by-day account of the events, challenges, and outcomes of this operation.
Roundup Details
On July 23, 2022, the BLM initiated the roundup to manage the wild horse population in the Twin Peaks HMA. The plan was to capture 2,000 wild horses and remove 1,800 from the range, while treating 110 mares with a fertility control vaccine before releasing them back.
Daily Reports
August 14, 2022
44 burros were captured. AWHC's field representative observed the operation from a quarter-mile away, documenting several animal welfare violations, including a burro being pushed with an ATV after being roped.
August 13, 2022
48 burros were captured. Observations were made from a mile away, noting the use of helicopters and horseback riders to push the burros towards the trap.
August 12, 2022
59 burros and 1 horse were captured. The field representative observed from a mile away, documenting the use of helicopters and riders to guide the animals.
August 11, 2022
Approximately 80 burros were captured, with 31 deaths reported so far. The BLM brought in five groups of burros, using helicopters and riders to guide them.
August 10, 2022
No operation occurred, but three deaths were reported, including a 7-year-old mare found dead in temporary holding.
- A 7-year-old mare was found dead in temporary holding.
- A 20-year-old mare was unable to move through the temporary holding area.
- A 20-year-old mare collapsed in temporary holding and could not be revived.
August 9, 2022
112 wild horses were captured, with five deaths reported. The BLM euthanized several horses due to pre-existing conditions.
- An 11-year-old stallion with a broken rear fetlock and poor teeth was euthanized.
- A 20-year-old stallion with blindness in the left eye was euthanized.
- A 5-month-old colt with a shoulder injury was euthanized.
- A 6-month-old colt died suddenly in temporary holding.
- A 3-month-old colt died suddenly in temporary holding.
August 8, 2022
128 wild horses were captured.
August 7, 2022
100 wild horses were captured. The BLM euthanized a 4-year-old mare and a 5-month-old filly due to injuries.
August 6, 2022
119 wild horses were captured, bringing the total to 1,775 wild horses captured and 21 deaths.
August 5, 2022
148 wild horses were captured.
August 4, 2022
98 wild horses were captured, with two deaths reported.
August 3, 2022
112 wild horses were captured, with two deaths reported.
The chopper began operations at 6:30 AM, with the first group of horses captured by 7:02 AM.
At 7:20 AM, another group of horses was captured, with a lone mule attempting to lead the herd away from the trap.
A bachelor band of four horses passed close to the observation area, avoiding capture.
By 8:42 AM, a third group of 30 horses was captured. The horses were calm and not crowded in the trap.
At 10:45 AM, the largest group of the day, approximately 50 animals, was captured. A chestnut stallion made a daring escape, evading the helicopter.
August 2, 2022
Approximately 115 wild horses were captured. The field representative was joined by five BLM employees.
By 10:20 AM, the first group was in the trap, with the chopper rounding up stragglers.
Run 3 began at 11:30 AM, capturing a large group of horses.
August 1, 2022
110 wild horses and a mule foal were captured. The trap site was not visible from the observation point.
July 31, 2022
No roundup occurred.
July 30, 2022
79 horses and burros were captured, with two deaths reported.
July 29, 2022
139 wild horses were captured, with five deaths reported.
July 28, 2022
19 wild horses were captured. The helicopter operated with care, giving the horses space and breaks.
July 27, 2022
153 wild horses were captured. The helicopter operated efficiently, with no visible injuries reported.
July 26, 2022
46 horses were captured. The operation proceeded smoothly, with no visible injuries reported.
July 25, 2022
Approximately 70 wild horses were captured, with at least one death reported.
July 24, 2022
234 wild horses and 1 burro were captured. The trap pens appeared too small for the number of horses.
July 23, 2022
231 wild horses were captured, with two deaths reported. The BLM limited public observation to 11 people.