BLM Nevada News
ELY DISTRICT OFFICE NO. 2008-064
FOR RELEASE:  Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008
CONTACT:  Chris Hanefeld, cell: (775) 296-0679

Safety Concerns Prompt BLM to Capture
Nuisance Wild Horses

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Ely District is increasing efforts to capture and remove wild horses causing a nuisance on private property in the Caliente area. On Monday, Sept. 8, the agency began using a helicopter to gather wild horses damaging private property and creating safety hazards along U.S. Hwy 93. The capture and removal of 100 to 130 animals could take up to 10 days.

A lack of available forage and water has caused wild horses from the nearby Highland Peak, Clover Mountains and Little Mountain herd management areas to migrate into the Indian Ridge and Highland Knolls housing developments north of Caliente on U.S. Highway 93. The animals are causing considerable damage to private property. The situation has created serious safety threats to the horses and motorists along the highways.

BLM has been using bait and water trapping since May in an effort to capture the animals. The trapping resulted in the capture of 18 animals but did not prove to be as effective as needed.

The gathered horses will be transported to a BLM facility in Delta, Utah, where they will be made available for adoption or sale to individuals who can provide them a good home.

The BLM is conducting the gather in coordination with local law enforcement and supportive landowners.  The BLM is encouraging area residents to not feed or water the horses. 

For gather information call Chris Hanefeld, BLM Ely District public affairs specialist, at (775) 296-0679.  You may also visit www.blm.gov/nv/ and click on the Ely District Office.

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