Utah Officials Urge Federal Roundup of Wild Horses

State wildlife officials in Utah are aligning with local ranchers and county leaders who are threatening to take matters into their own hands by rounding up wild horses if federal authorities do not act first. This move comes amid concerns that the increasing number of feral horses is displacing cattle and elk from drought-stricken pastures in southern and central Utah.

During a meeting in Salt Lake City, the Utah Wildlife Board unanimously decided to send a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) state director Juan Palma. The letter urges a reduction in the wild horse population on public lands, adding to the mounting pressure on the BLM. Recently, a group of 13 ranchers filed a lawsuit against the BLM, accusing it of failing to protect wildlife and cattle. Utah Governor Gary Herbert has also advocated for local management of horse herds, citing the BLM's inaction.

Board member John Bair expressed concern over the situation, stating, "It’s a sad situation in the southwest desert," highlighting the impact of feral animals on the environment. Byron Bateman from Utah Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife noted that the ongoing drought has exacerbated the issue.

The BLM's Utah office acknowledges the urgency of the situation and is preparing to gather hundreds of horses, pending approval from Washington, D.C. However, the office faces budget and personnel constraints, and there is limited space for additional horses as existing corrals are full.

According to the BLM, Utah's wild horse and burro population stands at 3,245, significantly exceeding the "appropriate management level" of 1,956. However, horse advocates argue that the situation is being exaggerated. Suzanne Roy, spokeswoman for the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign), claims that ranchers are using the issue to divert attention from cattle overgrazing.

Iron and Beaver county commissioners have warned that they will assist ranchers in rounding up horses after the foaling season if federal action is not taken. Although water traps were set up to capture some horses, recent rains have hindered these efforts.

Federal law mandates that only the BLM can capture wild horses, and Congress prohibits their euthanization or slaughter. Nonetheless, some counties cite a new state law allowing intervention when public health or safety is at risk.

Ranchers, including embattled Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, have criticized the BLM for asking them to reduce livestock grazing while not adequately addressing the wild horse population. Bundy, who owes $1.1 million in unpaid grazing fees, has been supported by militia members in a standoff over grazing rights.

For more details, visit the original article by the Associated Press.