Wyoming Sues Federal Agencies Over Wild Horse Management
The state of Wyoming has initiated legal proceedings against the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), accusing them of inadequate management of wild horse herds. Concurrently, a University of Wyoming study has evaluated the grazing habits of wild horses and cattle on rangelands.
Background on Wild Horse Management
The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act provides federal protection to wild horses and burros in western states, placing them under BLM jurisdiction. According to the BLM Wyoming website, the agency manages approximately 3,000 horses across 16 herd management areas (HMAs) in the state. The BLM sets appropriate management levels for each HMA to maintain ecological balance among wildlife, livestock, and wild horses.
Legal Actions and Statements
Earlier this year, the BLM began removing wild horses from areas where private, federal, and state lands intersect, following a consent decree with livestock owners who also use BLM grazing lands. Prior to these removals, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead announced the state's intention to sue the DOI and BLM over their management of wild horses and burros in relation to range use.
On December 8, Wyoming filed a lawsuit demanding that federal agencies manage the state's wild horses in accordance with the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Governor Mead stated, “It is my belief, and the belief of other western governors, that the BLM does not have the resources to manage wild horses effectively. By filing suit, it sends a message that wild horse management is a priority and the BLM must be provided the funding necessary to manage them.”
Research Findings on Grazing
University of Wyoming assistant professor and Extension rangeland specialist Derek Scasta, PhD, recently presented data from his study on how wild horses, cattle, and other animals consume rangeland plants. The study, which included data from 12 states and one Canadian province, analyzed plant matter in fecal samples from each species.
Scasta's findings indicate that wild horses and cattle compete for rangeland resources. Wild horses' diets consist of 74 to 86% grass and grasslike plants, varying by season. “Grass consumption by horses typically equals or exceeds that of beef cattle and is greater than sheep, elk, pronghorn, and mule deer,” Scasta noted. Horses also consume forbs and shrubs, though these make up less than 15% and 10% of their diet, respectively.
In comparison, cattle diets are composed of 61 to 81% grass or grasslike plants, depending on the season.
Reactions and Opinions
Wild horse advocate Suzanne Roy, director of American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign), argued that the overlap in diets between horses and cattle is not new information and criticized Wyoming's lawsuit as unfounded. “The lawsuit is a baseless attempt to scapegoat wild horses and divert attention from the wide-scale environmental destruction caused by livestock grazing in Wyoming,” she stated.
BLM spokeswoman Shelley Gregory declined to comment directly on the lawsuit, stating that the agency would await the court's decision. However, she emphasized that the BLM collaborates with all stakeholders to balance multiple uses of public land and welcomes input from any person or organization offering potential alternatives or ideas.
The lawsuit remains pending.
Originally Posted By The Horse