The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced emergency plans to gather some 6,000 wild horses and burros in drought-stricken areas across the West.
Most gathers will occur in herds where chronic overpopulation has stretched the available food and water to its limits.
“As one of the agencies charged with the responsibility to protect and manage America’s wild horses and burros, the BLM is prepared to take emergency action where we can in order to save the lives of these cherished animals,” said Nada Wolff Culver, BLM deputy director, policy and programs.
“At the same time, we are committed to continuing our efforts to reduce overpopulation across the West and achieve healthy, sustainable herd sizes that are more capable of withstanding severe conditions, including prolonged drought, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.”
BLM has gathered 1,200 animals due to overpopulation in drought areas.
