November 22, 2021 statement: Due to recent storms this gather has been discontinued.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Carson City District, Sierra Front Field Office plans to begin the Emergency Flanigan wild horse gather on or about August 9, 2021.
Purpose of Gather:
The purpose of the gather is due to water resources in the HMA is limited to small springs, and two creeks. During past droughts, the springs have all dried-up with the only water sources small pools in the creek beds where the horses within the HMA have obtained water. Due to the overpopulation and limited water resources within the Flanigan HMA wild horses are moving outside the HMA boundary and residing on or around private property. The BLM has currently received two complaints regarding wild horses damaging their private property and requesting removal of these nuisance animals.
Details of Gather:
On or around August 9, the Bureau of Land Management Carson City District, Sierra Front Field Office will begin an emergency wild horse gather on the Flanigan Herd Management Area (HMA) located about five miles west of Pyramid Lake in Washoe County, Nevada. The BLM will conduct gather operations utilizing temporary water traps consisting of a series of corral panels stocked with water; no helicopters will be used.
Public Observation:
Due to the nature of the water trap method, wild horses are reluctant to approach the trap site when there is too much activity; therefore, only essential gather operations personnel will be allowed at the trap site during gather operations.
Adoption Information:
All wild horses identified for removal will be transported to the Palomino Valley Center Off-Range Wild Horse Corrals, located in Reno, Nevada, where they will be checked by a veterinarian and readied for the BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sale Program. For information on how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro, visit www.blm.gov/whb.
Background:
The Flanigan HMA encompasses 17,147 acres of public and private lands. The BLM plans to gather approximately 73 wild horses from within and outside of the Flanigan HMA. The Appropriate Management Level (AML) for the Flanigan HMA is 80-125. As of March 1, 2021, the current estimated population is 298 wild horses which does not include any foals born in 2021 – the current estimated population is over 240% over AML. The most recent gather was completed in 2012.
- Daily Gather Reports
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Date: October 20, 2021
Gather reports will be updated only on days horses are gathered.
Summary: Seven horses were safely gathered by the water trap method.
Animals Gathered: 5 (3 Stallions, 2 Mares)
Animals Shipped: 5
Deaths: 0
- Sudden / Acute: 0
- Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
Provide short description of each animal death
Date: September 16, 2021
Gather reports will be updated only on days horses are gathered.
Summary: Seven horses were safely gathered by the water trap method.
Animals Gathered: 7 (1 Stallion, 3 Mares, 3 Foals)
Animals Shipped: 7
Deaths: 0
- Sudden / Acute: 0
- Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
Provide short description of each animal death