For Immediate Release: July 25, 2002
Contact: Doran Sanchez (909) 697-5220; E-MAIL: dasanche@ca.blm.gov
CA-610-02-70

BLM Implements Emergency Measures to Stop Predation at Regional Corral Facility

In an effort to control coyotes and feral dogs attacking and killing wild horses and burros at the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Regional Corral Facility near Ridgecrest, the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Wildlife Service (formerly Animal Damage Control) will implement actions on Saturday, July 27 to protect animals at the facility.

Since January 1, 2002, coyotes and feral dogs have killed 21 horse and burro foals at the corrals. The actual number could be higher since many foals born during the night may have been carried off before the corral staff arrive.

APHIS and Wildlife Service (WS) staff surveyed the facility in July and found a large number of coyote adult and pup tracks. Because drought conditions have decreased rabbit, lizard and mice populations, coyote/feral dog predation at the corrals is expected to increase.

The BLM signed an interagency agreement with APHIS and the WS, which will utilize several lethal methods to stop predation at the corrals. All activities will be coordinated with the California Department of Fish and Game.

It is unknown how many coyotes may be taken during the operation. However, WS will continue until predation at the corral facility has stopped.

For more information contact Dave Sjaastad at (760) 384-5400.

-BLM-












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