2025 Maverick-Medicine HMA and Wood Hills Area Emergency Wild Horse Gather

Maverick-Medicine HMA

During June and July 2025, the BLM conducted water monitoring across the western Maverick-Medicine and Triple B HMAs. Findings revealed critical water shortages at key sources. Of the four Maverick Springs Range sites, only Cherry and Cone Springs had limited flow (9.5 and 5–10 gallons/hour, respectively), insufficient to sustain the wild horse population.

Wild horses were also observed north of Minnow Spring on a playa where they had dug holes to access shallow groundwater.

Most horses were in body condition scores (BCS) ranging from 2–4, but an increasing number were at or below BCS 1.5. Horses in this condition are at a heightened risk of death as water scarcity intensifies throughout the summer.

Wood Hills Area (Outside Spruce-Pequop HMA)

In the Wood Hills area near Wells, NV, a critical water source for wild horses at Warm Springs has degraded into a mud hole, causing horses to become trapped and struggle for limited water. Field staff have rescued several horses mired in mud during site visits in June and July 2025.

This ongoing drought-induced issue recurs annually due to the lack of alternative water sources on public lands. The wild horse population growth and limited resources have pushed horses to establish a new home range outside the Spruce-Pequop HMA, leading to habitat degradation. Past emergency gathers have addressed these issues, and further gathers are necessary to reduce excess horses, prevent further damage, and support range recovery.