Bureau of Land Management plans wild horse gather in Socorro
SOCORRO, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management Socorro Field Office plans to begin a wild horse gather around May 6, 2026, on BLM lands on the Bordo Atravesado Herd Management Area, located near Socorro, N.M. The BLM will conduct gather operations utilizing bait and water to attract animals into existing corrals in the area. No helicopters will be used.
The purpose of the gather is to remove approximately 26 wild horses which would reduce the wild horse population to within appropriate management level ranges. If herd levels are not managed, it can lead to declining forage, reduced water availability and impacts to overall rangeland health.
BLM prioritizes safe, efficient and successful wild horse and burro gather operations while ensuring humane care and treatment of all animals gathered. The BLM and its contractors are committed to using the best available science and handling practices for wild horses while meeting overall gather goals and objectives in accordance with the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program.
All animals identified for removal will be placed into the Adoption and Sales program. Horses will be checked and monitored by a veterinarian and BLM staff and made ready for adoption or sale to qualified homes.
Because of the nature of the bait and water trapping gather method, wild horses are reluctant to approach the trap site when there is too much activity. Therefore, only essential personnel will be allowed at the site during the gather operations.
The BLM developed an Environmental Assessment to analyze gather operations in this area. The decision document was signed on Oct. 26, 2022, after a 30-day public review and comment period.
Once gather operations begin, reports and additional information will be posted on the BLM New Mexico Gathers and Removals webpage. For more information, contact the BLM Socorro Field Office at (575) 835-0412.
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.