(BLM Wyoming, Facebook)

CASPER, Wyo. — A two week effort to capture wild horses in an area northwest of Worland has captured 558 animals so far.

The Bureau of Land Management Wyoming’s Worland field office began the gather on Oct. 17 to remove horses from the Fifteenmile Herd Management Area (HMA).

“The wild horse population in the HMA—estimated to be approximately 700—has well-exceeded its appropriate management level (AML): 100-230 total horses,” BLM Wyoming says. “The Worland Field Office will gather up to 700 horses, with a target removal number of 600 horses, to return the population to the low range of the AML.”

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(BLM Wyoming, Facebook)

“Horses that have moved outside the HMA will be removed. Approximately 100 horse will be returned to the HMA.”

A federal contractor conducts the wild horse gathering for the BLM

“The contractor uses a helicopter to locate and herd horses toward a set of corrals,” they say. “The helicopter is assisted by a ground crew and a domesticated horse to lead the gathered horses into the corrals. If needed, the ground crew may assist the helicopter by roping the horses from horseback.”

“The BLM takes very seriously the humane treatment of wild horses and burros during gather operations. Helicopters have been shown to be the most humane method to gather horses.”

The BLM transports the gathered wild horsed to range corrals in Rock Springs or other locations.

(BLM Wyoming, Facebook)

“The horses will be freeze branded, vaccinated, dewormed and given a Coggins test,” they add. “The corrals receiving the horses from the gathers will not be taking requests from the public to hold specific horses.”

“Some of the horses will be taken to the Wyoming Honor Farm in Riverton or the Mantle Adoption and Training Facility in Wheatland for gentling before being made available for adoption.”

The wild horses will be made available for adoption through the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption Program.

The BLM provides gather reports after each day of activity:

Friday, October 18, 2019 Conditions were calm, sunny and ~59 degrees Fahrenheit. A total of 211 horses were gathered. One horse was transported to a holding facility for treatment due to a pre-existing bite on its right hip. Animals gathered: 211

Animals shipped: 1

Total Deaths Today: 0

Acute: 0

Chronic/Pre-existing: 0 Saturday, October 19, 2019 Conditions were cool and overcast with a high of 48 degrees Farenheit. A total of 217 horses were gathered, and 128 horses were transfered to the Rock Springs Wild Horse Corrals or Wyoming Honor Farm. Animals gathered: 217

Animals shipped: 128

Total Deaths Today: 2

Acute: 2*

Chronic/Pre-existing: 0 *One horse succumbed to a neck injury from the gather operations. One horse succumbed to a strike in the head by another horse on the way to the gather trap. Sunday, October 20, 2019 Gather operations were suspended for the day due to adverse weather conditions. Animals gathered: 0

Animals shipped: 0

Total deaths today: 0

Acute: 0

Chronic/pre-existing: 0 Monday, October 21, 2019 Conditions were calm and cool with a high temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. One hundred and twelve horses were gathered. Animals gathered: 112

Animals shipped: 132

Total deaths today: 3

Acute: 1*

Chronic/pre-existing: 2** *One horse succumbed to a neck injury related to the gather operations.

**One horse was euthanized due to a terminal lung infection. One horse was euthanized due to severe leg deformities. Tuesday, October 22, 2019 Conditons were cool and calm with a high of 45 degree Farenheiht. Eighteen horses were gathered. Animals gathered: 18

Animals shipped: 128

Total deaths today: 3

Acute: 0

Chronic/pre-existing: 3* *One 5-year old mare was euthanized due to a gangrenous infection around its elbow joint. One 11-year old mare was euthanized due to severe arthritis in both hips. One 28-year old mare was euthanized due to low body score and overall poor health. BLM Wyoming

The public can come observe the operations so long as that does not pose a risk to the safety of animals or people involved.

“The BLM will escort the public to gather observation sites located on public lands. If you are interested in watching the gather, you must contact Sarah Beckwith at sbeckwith@blm.gov,” they say.

“Observers must provide their own transportation, water and food. The BLM recommends footwear and clothing suitable for harsh field conditions and a four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle. Public restrooms will not be available onsite.”