BLM to Begin Utah Wild Horse Gathers to Reduce Overpopulation
The Bureau of Land Management will conduct gather operations to reduce wild horse herd overpopulation in the Bible Springs Complex west of Cedar City and the Confusion Herd Management Area west of Delta. These actions are part of the BLM’s efforts to manage healthy wild horses on healthy public rangelands.
The BLM plans to gather and remove approximately 800 wild horses from the Bible Springs Complex, and approximately 360 wild horses from the Confusion herd. Animals removed from the range will receive health evaluations, vaccinations, and care at BLM facilities before being made available for adoption, sale or transfer to good homes.
Under BLM supervision, contractors will conduct gather operations with assistance of one or more helicopters that will guide animals on the range into temporary gather corrals. The careful use of helicopters allows the BLM to safely and efficiently move wild horses across large, rugged landscapes while reducing stress and minimizing risks associated with prolonged pursuit on horseback or land-based vehicles.
The safety and welfare of wild horses during gather operations is a top priority for the BLM. All contractors and BLM staff are trained in humane gather and handling techniques specially designed for wild horses and burros. Learn more about the BLM’s Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program.
The BLM will temporarily close certain public lands around gather locations to public access in accordance with 43 CFR 8364.1. The closures are necessary to protect the wild horses, as well as public health and safety. BLM will notify the public about the duration and location of temporary closures in accordance with 43 CFR 8364.1, including on the gather webpages.
Members of the media and the public may observe gather operations. Instructions for signing up to observe gather operations can be found on the Bible Springs and Confusion gather webpages. BLM staff will escort observers to an established observation site. Observation opportunities may vary based on weather and operational safety.
The BLM is conducting gather operations as analyzed in the Bible Spring Complex Wild Horse Gather Plan (DOI-BLM-UT-C010-2022-0012-EA) and the Confusion Herd Management Area Wild Horse Gather Plan Environmental Assessment (DOI-BLM-UT-W020-2018-0015-EA), which evaluated the need for population management to protect rangeland health.
The BLM manages and protects wild horses and burros as required by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, working to maintain a thriving natural ecological balance on public lands. Learn more about the Wild Horse and Burro Program.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.