BLM Rounds Up Over 300 Wild Horses In Western Colorado

More than 300 wild horses have been gathered by the Bureau of Land Management in western Colorado.

BLM Seeks To Reduce Wild Horse Herd

The BLM's White River Field Office began the second stage of a wild horse gathering on July 15 with the goal of getting the herd size below 235. Bait and water trap operations were conducted in June while drive-trap operations using horseback riders and helicopters began a few days ago. On Monday, 81 animals were shipped to the Axtell Wild Horse and Burro Facility.

The BLM hopes to keep wild horse populations at a manageable level, remove wild horses from private property, and "address impacts to sensitive plant and animal species including greater sage grouse."

Wild Horses Available For Adoption

A total of 386 horses have been gathered and will be made available for adoption. The Adoption Incentive Program provides up to $1,000 to adopt untrained wild horses or burros from the BLM. You can see a gallery of wild horses available for adoption for a fee of $125 each.

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Two Wild Horse Deaths Reported

According to the BLM, only two horses have died during this gathering, both reportedly having pre-existing or chronic conditions. Emotions run high on the BLM Facebook page with comments from the public like "horse murderers",  "poor horses being sent to prison," and "animal abuse."

The public was actually invited to watch the round-up with meet-ups at two locations - one in Meeker and one at Rio Blanco Lake on an RSVP basis.

Public Comments and Complaints Are Welcome

The BLM says it recognizes the public holds strong views concerning wild horse and burro gathers and says the public comment period during the NEPA process is the best place to share views and opinions. Complaints, criticisms, and suggestions can be directed to the Wild Horse and Burro National Information center at wildhorse@blm.gov or by calling 866-468-7826.