Wyoming Wild Horse Roundup: A Detailed Account from September 15 to October 9, 2014
Between September 15 and October 9, 2014, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted a controversial roundup of wild horses in Wyoming. This operation, involving helicopter stampedes, resulted in the removal of 1,263 wild horses from the Adobe Town, Salt Wells Creek, and Great Divide Basin Herd Management Areas (HMAs). Tragically, at least 14 horses died during the roundup, highlighting the harsh realities faced by these majestic animals.
The 2014 Wyoming Checkerboard Roundup significantly reduced the wild horse populations in these HMAs, leaving numbers well below the established Appropriate Management Levels. This action was not due to overpopulation but rather to satisfy local ranchers who see wild horses as competition for grazing resources. The government's actions were criticized for prioritizing ranching interests over the welfare of wild horses, as exposed by The Atlantic in 2013.
The American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) has filed a lawsuit against the BLM, challenging the legality of the roundup. Although an injunction to halt the operation was not secured, the case continues with the aim of setting a precedent to prevent future violations of federal law and public opinion.
Below are eyewitness reports from the Wyoming Checkerboard Roundup, along with links to key news articles, press releases, and legal documents.
Day 1: September 15, 2014
Our coalition partner, The Cloud Foundation, was on the ground in Wyoming. The BLM reported that 16 horses were captured, including 6 mares, 6 studs, and 4 colts, all from the Salt Wells HMA. Read the Cloud Foundation's report of Day 1 here. Read photographer Carol Walker's report of Day 1 here.
September 16, 2014
AWHC supporter and volunteer Jennifer Maharry was on the ground. Observers were positioned about 1.5 miles from the trap site at the Divide Basin HMA with limited viewing. Photographer Carol Walker was also onsite. Later in the morning, advocates obtained a better viewing spot. Read a report on Day 2 from photographer Carol Walker here.
September 17, 2014
Read Carol Walker's report on Day 3 here. The BLM reported that 36 wild horses were captured at the Bitter Creek #2 Trap in the Divide Basin HMA.
September 18, 2014
One helicopter captured 23 mares, 29 studs, and 12 colts at the Black Rock Trap in the Divide Basin HMA. Two removal-related animal deaths were reported.
September 19, 2014
No wild horses were rounded up today. A 12-year-old grey stud was euthanized due to severe arthritis.
September 20, 2014
Two helicopters captured 26 studs, 21 mares, and 10 foals at the Black Rock Trap in the Great Divide Basin HMA.
September 21, 2014
No wild horses were removed today. The Bar X District Line Trap was set up in preparation for Monday.
September 22, 2014
Two helicopters removed 36 wild horses at the Bar X District Line Trap in the Great Divide Basin HMA. Two removal-related animal deaths were reported.
September 23, 2014
Two helicopters captured 30 studs, 35 mares, and 12 colts at the Bar X District Line Trap in the Great Divide Basin HMA.
September 24, 2014
Two helicopters captured 31 studs, 45 mares, and 29 colts at the CR 19/CR 82 Trap in the Great Divide Basin HMA.
September 25, 2014
According to the BLM, two helicopters captured 30 studs, 26 mares, and 11 colts at the CR 19/CR 82 Trap in the Great Divide Basin HMA. Three animal deaths were reported.
September 26, 2014
One helicopter removed nine studs, seven mares, and six colts at the Bridger Coal Trap in the Great Divide Basin HMA. Read Carol Walker's eyewitness account here.
September 27 - 30, 2014
Roundup delayed due to inclement weather.
October 1, 2014
Two helicopters removed 27 studs, 41 mares, and 20 colts at the Brooks Road Trap in the Salt Wells HMA.
October 2, 2014
Two helicopters removed 39 studs, 48 mares, and 28 colts at the Brooks Road Trap in the Salt Wells HMA.
October 3, 2014
Two helicopters removed 38 studs, 37 mares, and 15 colts at the Brady Plant Trap in the Salt Wells HMA. Two animal deaths were reported.
October 4, 2014
Two helicopters captured 13 studs, 13 mares, and 4 colts at the Holding Corral Trap in the Salt Wells HMA.
October 5, 2014
Two helicopters captured 37 studs, 46 mares, and 19 colts at the Haystacks Trap in the Salt Wells HMA.
October 6, 2014
Two helicopters rounded up 22 studs, 16 mares, and 6 colts at the Haystacks Trap in the Salt Wells HMA.
October 7, 2014
76 more horses lost their freedom today. Tomorrow should be the last day of the roundup.
October 8, 2014
Two helicopters captured 38 studs, 1 branded gelding, 59 mares, and 31 colts at the Eversole Trap in the Salt Wells HMA. One animal death was reported.
October 9, 2014
On the final day of the roundup, 47 more horses lost their freedom. Read Carol Walker's eyewitness account here. Death Reports from the Wyoming Checkerboard Roundup