BLM prepares emergency actions to help wild horses in drought-stricken areas within the Muddy Creek Herd Management Area
PRICE, Utah — The BLM plans to take emergency actions to gather wild horses impacted by drought-stricken areas located within the Muddy Creek Herd Management Area on or around Jun. 24. Gather operations will utilize temporary bait and water traps consisting of a series of corral panels enticed with water and/or forage; no helicopter will be used.
The gather will help balance the number of horses to what the rangeland can sustainably support, due to severe drought conditions. The Muddy Creek HMA is located in Emery County, approximately 20 miles south of Ferron, Utah, in the San Rafael Swell region. It consists of approximately 283,400 acres of public and state lands.
The BLM plans to gather and remove approximately 40 wild horses focusing on areas where water is limited, and animals are showing signs of dehydration and stress. Horses removed from the range will be transported to the Axtell Wild Horse Contract Off-Range Corral in Axtell, Utah, where upon arrival they will be checked by a veterinarian, and readied for the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sales Program
Due to the nature of the bait and water trapping methods being used, wild horses are reluctant to approach the trap sites when there is too much human activity; therefore, only essential gather operations personnel will be allowed at or near the trap site during gather operations.
Gather updates and information will be posted on the BLM Utah Gathers and Removals website.
To learn more about how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro, visit the BLM National Wild Horse and Burro website or call 866-468-7826. For additional information regarding the gather, please contact Lisa Reid at 435-743-3128.
The BLM manages more than 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.