The Bureau of Land Management is set to begin gather operations in Utah to address wild horse overpopulation. The operations will target the Bible Springs Complex west of Cedar City and the Confusion Herd Management Area west of Delta.
The BLM plans to gather and remove approximately 800 wild horses from the Bible Springs Complex and approximately 360 wild horses from the Confusion herd. Animals removed from the range will undergo health evaluations, vaccinations, and care at BLM facilities before being made available for transfer, sale, or adoption to good homes.
Contractors will conduct these operations under BLM supervision, using one or more helicopters to guide animals into temporary gather corrals. The use of helicopters is intended to move horses safely and efficiently across rugged landscapes while reducing stress and minimizing risks compared to horseback or land-based vehicle pursuits. The BLM stated that the safety and welfare of the wild horses is a top priority, and all staff and contractors are trained in humane handling techniques for wild horses and burros.
To protect the horses as well as public health and safety, the BLM will temporarily close certain public lands around the gather locations. The agency will provide notifications regarding the duration and location of these closures on gather webpages.
Members of the public and media may observe the gather operations, though opportunities depend on weather and operational safety. Interested observers can find instructions for signing up on the Bible Springs and Confusion gather webpages. BLM staff will escort observers to established observation sites.
These gather operations are being conducted as analyzed in the Bible Spring Complex Wild Horse Gather Plan and the Confusion Herd Management Area Wild Horse Gather Plan Environmental Assessment. Both plans evaluated the necessity of population management to protect rangeland health. The BLM manages and protects wild horses and burros as required by the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act to maintain a thriving natural ecological balance on public lands.
