The Devastating Impact of Helicopter Roundups on Wild Horses
Introduction
This year, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service are intensifying helicopter roundups and removals of wild horses. These operations have been documented to cause significant harm, including injuries and separations within horse herds. Wayne Woolway, a retired Lieutenant Watch Commander and Command Helicopter Pilot, offers a unique perspective on the devastating effects of helicopters on wild horses, focusing on noise levels and behavior.
Horse Behavior
Horses are prey animals that instinctively flee from threats. Their survival over millions of years has depended on this behavior. They possess acute senses, with a wide range of vision and superior hearing compared to humans. Wild horses, in particular, react quickly to threats, often resulting in stampedes.
Helicopter Characteristics
Helicopters, while versatile, produce significant noise due to their complex mechanics. The noise from the engine, gearbox, and rotors is constantly changing, creating a stressful environment for horses. The unique sound of helicopters is perceived as much louder than it actually is, adding to the distress experienced by the animals.
The Doppler Effect, which reduces noise as fixed-wing aircraft move away, does not apply to helicopters during roundups. The constant proximity of helicopters to horses exacerbates the noise impact, along with the rotor-induced dust storms.
Effects on Horses
Helicopters represent an unprecedented threat to horses. They move in ways no natural predator does, are relentless, and produce overwhelming noise and visual stimuli. This unnatural predator causes extreme stress and fear in horses, leading to injuries and other negative outcomes.
Our Cultural Values
The use of helicopters in rounding up wild horses is seen as cruel and inhumane. It is difficult to quantify the stress and fear these animals endure, but the resulting injuries are well-documented. Society must question the necessity and justification of such practices, especially when they contradict laws against animal cruelty.
Federal, state, and local laws prohibit cruelty to animals, yet the federal government permits helicopter roundups. This practice raises ethical concerns about the example set by the government.