The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released its yearly estimates of wild horse and burro populations, revealing a decrease in their overpopulation on public lands.
This marks the third consecutive year, starting from 2020, in which the overpopulation of wild horses and burros has declined. According to the BLM’s latest estimates, there were around 73,520 wild horses and burros on BLM-managed public lands as of March 1, reflecting a decrease of 9,363 animals compared to the 2023 estimate.
Despite efforts to accurately assess the population through aerial and statistical analyses, there remains a margin of uncertainty, with the estimated range spanning from 63,432 to 85,249 animals. While this reduction marks the largest one-year decrease in overpopulation since 1985, the current population still exceeds sustainable levels by nearly threefold.
In response, BLM said their plan for fiscal year 2024 includes the gathering and removal of approximately 20,000 animals, along with the treatment of 1,400 horses using fertility control methods. Additionally, the agency aims to rehome 10,000 animals through adoptions and sales.
