BLM’s Red Desert wild horse gather concludes
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RAWLINS, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management has concluded its Red Desert Complex wild horse gather operation in southern Wyoming due to off-range corrals used to house gathered animals reaching maximum capacity. A total of 1,442 horses were gathered during the 11-day operation, which began on Aug. 7, 2018.
The Red Desert Complex, which includes the Antelope Hills, Crooks Mountain, Green Mountain, Lost Creek and Stewart Creek herd management areas (HMA), is located in Sweetwater, Carbon, Fremont and Natrona counties west and south of Wyoming Highway 287.
Based on recent aerial surveys, the BLM estimated that the Red Desert Complex’s population was approximately 3,500 wild horses, while the appropriate management level is 480–724 horses. In addition, the horses were moving outside of their established herd management areas and causing impacts in areas not identified for their management. The BLM conducted the gather as part of its commitment to maintaining healthy wild horses while managing for sustainable, working public lands.
Horses humanely gathered through this operation will be available for adoption or purchase through the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program. Animals not adopted or purchased will be cared for in off-range pastures, where they retain their “wild” status and protection under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burro Act.
For more information about this gather and to view daily reports, visit www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/herd-management/gathers-and-removals/wyoming/2018/red-desert/gather, or contact Tim Novotny at 307-328-4200 or Clay Stott at 307-332-8400. To learn more about how you can adopt or purchase an animal, contact the BLM at 866-468-7826 or wildhorse@blm.gov, or visit BLM.GOV/WHB.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.