Over a two-day time frame, 100 horses were released back onto the range as a part of the horse behavior and ecology research study. Photo by Lisa Bryant.

BLM UTAH GATHERS AND REMOVALS

BLM Utah manages 19 wild horse and burro herd management areas on nearly 2.4 million acres. The combined appropriate management level for all HMAs in the state is 1,956 animals.

Utah has two contracted off-range corrals for wild horses (3,750), one off-range corral/pasture for wild burros (2,000), and one BLM corral facility (300) with a total holding capacity of 6,050 animals. As of May 18, 2022, these facilities are currently housing and caring for approximately 2,745 animals (2,455 horses and 290 burros). 

As of May 18, 2022, Utah also has one off-range pasture currently caring for approximately 476 wild horses near Fountain Green, Utah.

Since 1971, the BLM has removed approximately 17,942 animals from public rangelands in Utah as part of its efforts to maintain healthy horses and burros on healthy public rangelands.  BLM Utah has placed 9,288 wild horses and burros into private care since 1971. Animals removed from public rangelands are offered to the public for adoption; unadopted animals are cared for on open pastures for the rest of their lives. 

 

Gathers by Region