BLM to Bait Trap Wild Horses from Silver King and Triple B HMAs

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely Districtis set to commence a significant operation to gather and remove excess wild horses from the Silver King and Triple BHerd Management Areas(HMAs) in Nevada. This initiative aims to manage the wild horse populations and protect the natural resources in these regions.

On or about Wednesday, July 27, 2016, theBLMEly District will begin gathering up to 100 excess wild horses from outside the Silver King HMA, located approximately 90 miles south of Ely, Nevada. Additionally, up to 130 excess wild horses will be gathered from in and around the Triple B HMA, about 30 miles northwest of Ely. The gathering process will utilize hay and water to attract the horses.

Population Management and Resource Protection

The Appropriate Management Level (AML) for the Silver King HMA is set at 60-128 wild horses, yet the current population stands at 912. The gather is necessary as wild horses residing outside the HMA are causing significant damage to the resources.

Similarly, the Triple B HMA has an AML of 250-518 wild horses, but the current population is 1,600. TheBLMhas been monitoring water sources districtwide and has been hauling water to Pot Spring inside the Triple B HMA since late June. Despite these efforts, water remains limited at the spring and three neighboring sources.

Gather Operations and Public Involvement

A veterinarian will be on call during the gather operations, which will be conducted by a contractor. Horses removed from the range will be transported to the National Wild Horse and Burro Center at Palomino Valley, located 20 miles north of Reno, Nevada, where they will be prepared for theBLM’s adoption program.

Due to the need for wild horses to adjust quickly and safely to hay and corrals, only essential wild horse personnel will be allowed at the gather sites during initial operations. Depending on the animals’ adjustment, public viewing through an escorted tour of the temporary holding facilities may be arranged at some point during the gather.

Duration and Contact Information

The gathers are expected to take up to two months to complete. A Gather Information Hotline has been established at 775-861-6700, providing recorded updates on gather activities. Gather reports will be posted on theBLMEly District website athttp://on.doi.gov/1lGnDYC.

For more information, contact Chris Hanefeld,BLMEly District public affairs specialist, at 775-289-1842 or by email at chanefel@blm.gov.

Originally posted byBLM.