The Bureau of Land Management concluded the 2026 Pancake Complex wild horse bait and water gather operation
Ely, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management concluded the 202 Pancake Complex wild horse gather near Ely, Nevada, on April 15, 2026. The BLM gathered and removed 300 wild horses excess wild horses from public lands. Gather operations were conducted using the water and bait trap method.
The purpose of the gather is to prevent undue or unnecessary degradation of the public lands associated with excess wild horses and burros and to restore a thriving natural ecological balance and multiple-use relationship on public lands, consistent with the provisions of Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. This action is also necessary to reduce overpopulation of wild horses within and outside the area.
The gather was conducted in compliance with the provisions of Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Removing excess animals supports significant progress toward achieving the Standards for Rangeland Health identified by the Mojave-Southern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council. In addition, by balancing herd size with what the land can support, the BLM aims to protect habitat for other wildlife species such as mule deer, sage grouse, blue grouse, eagles, and hawks.
The BLM transported the animals removed from the range to the Sutherland Off-range Corrals located in Sutherland, Utah, to be readied for the BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sales Program. Wild horses not adopted or sold will be placed in long-term pastures where they will be humanely cared for and retain their “wild” status and protection under the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.
Additional gather information is available on the BLM 2026 Pancake Complex Wild horse Bait and Water gather page.
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.