Leaders Intent on the Diamond Complex Wild Horse Gather
This document includes information the BLM will discuss with all gather personnel before gather operations begin. These guidelines are intended to ensure safe and humane handling of all gathered wild horses, and will serve as a reminder that the humane handling of wild horses and burros during gather operations is always a primary concern. The BLM Contracting Officer Technical Representative will address any actions or issues that seem inhumane promptly and within contract specifications.
Extreme temperatures during gather operations
The well-being of the wild horses being gathered on the Diamond Complex is being considered relative to the current cold temperatures. Wild horses are accustomed to weather extremes in the environment and generally do well at temperatures that make people uncomfortable. The BLM, in consultation with the on-site veterinarian is monitoring the horses on an ongoing basis. If gathered animals show signs of hypothermia (shivering, depression, reluctance to move, failure to dry off, failure to settle and go to feed and water when offered) the BLM is prepared to adjust its gather operations as necessary to protect the health of the animals. If problems related to temperature extremes are noted gather operations would be delayed or postponed. The animals’ recovery from the physical exertion of capture as well as their behavior are considered in the context of a variety of environmental factors. These factors include but are not limited to current weather conditions, terrain, snow depth, access limitations and the urgency of the operation. Unless there is a compelling and urgent need to capture the animals, wild horse and burro gather operations are not generally conducted outside the ambient temperature range of 10 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. When, due to impending starvation or other emergency situations, capture operations need to be conducted outside this temperature range then monitoring of the animals is increased and specific measures may be put in place such as cooling animals with water in the case of high temperatures or drying and warming foals that may become sweaty or chilled in cold conditions. The BLM, at this time, is not seeing extreme temperatures outside the range of those typical for gather operations and has not seen any health problems associated with the cold temperatures among the animals gathered to date during the Diamond gather.
Other Pages of Interest
Check out the "About the HMA", "Documents and Maps" and "Photos" pages, in the right navigation box.
For more information on the Wild Horse and Burro Program, call 1-866-468-7826 or email wildhorse@blm.gov.
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Diamond Complex Wild Horse Gather 
