CEDAR CITY — The Bureau of Land Management will be removing excess wild horses from areas within and outside the Bible Springs Complex in Iron and Beaver counties beginning Tuesday, Aug. 15.

The Bible Springs Complex encompasses the Four Mile, Tilly Creek and Bible Springs herd management areas. The current wild horse population estimate in the complex is approximately 619 animals, and the BLM plans to gather and remove 100 wild horses. Animals removed from the range will be available for adoption through a BLM program. Those that are not adopted will be cared for in long-term pastures.

The public is welcome to observe daily operations through BLM escorted tours — provided the safety of the animals, staff and observers are not jeopardized — and operations are not disrupted.

Observers must provide their own transportation, water and food. No public restrooms will be available. The BLM recommends weather appropriate footwear and neutral-colored clothing. Binoculars and four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles are also recommended.

Those interested in participating should meet at the Maverik, 220 N. Airport Road, where tours will depart at 5 a.m. Details will be announced daily on the BLM gather hotline at 801-539-4050.

Visitors and observers to the gather area should be aware that low-flying helicopters will be used as part of the operation. Flying drone near the Wah Wah and Indian Peak Mountain ranges will be prohibited during the gather. Brief road closures may also be needed to allow movement of horses during the operation.