BLM planning to round up some Utah wild horses impacted by drought

SALT LAKE CITY — The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is planning to round up Utah wild horses in the Muddy Creek Herd Management Area. 

The area, which is approximately 20 miles south of Ferron, Utah, and encompasses 283,400 acres, is currently experiencing a drought. About 40 wild horses will be removed from the area. 

According to the BLM, emphasis will be placed on areas with limited water. Wild horses that are showing signs of dehydration and stress will be removed around June 24 through temporary bait and water trap methods. The organization said it will not use helicopters. 

During a helicopter roundup, horses are pursued with an aircraft. The Animal Welfare Institute, a nonprofit that works to improve the treatment of animals, has criticized the method, saying helicopter roundups can frighten animals, leading to injury or death. 

Previously, the BLM has faced criticism for failure to provide emergency water to horses. The incident, which KSL NewsRadio reported in 2024, led to the death of horses after they became stuck in the mud at Muddy Creek Wild Horse Management Area. 

After the deaths, the Wild Beauty Foundation accused the BLM of choosing not to provide water to the animals. 

In response, the BLM said “wildlife must fend for themselves.” 

Utah wild horses will be put up for adoption and sale

Following the roundup, the horses will be taken to the Axtell Wild Horse Contract Off-Ranger Corral, a holding and care location. When they arrive, the BLM said they’ll be examined by a veterinarian and prepared to be sold through the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sales Program. 

What’s the difference between adoption and sale? 

According to the BLM’s website, the program, “is a chance to care for, and then own, a part of America’s heritage.” 

Since the program began in 1971, nearly 290,000 wild horses and burros have entered private care. When someone is applying to adopt or purchase one of the animals, they must meet the following criteria: 

• be at least 18 years old,
• have no past record of animal abuse,
• provide at least 400 square feet of corral space to each animal, and
• provide food, water, and shelter.

Additionally, individuals must have the proper trailers and their corral fences must meet height requirements. 

When an animal is adopted from the BLM, it falls into its adopter’s care immediately. However, the federal government retains ownership of the animal for at least a year. During that time, inspections will be carried out to ensure the animal is being taken care of. 

After the period is over, the adopter will receive the animal’s title, marking transfer of ownership. 

In contrast, animals that are over 10 years old and have been put up for adoption at least three times become eligible for sale. When they are purchased, they immediately become the property of the buyer. The BLM said it does not provide titles for these animals, but rather a bill of sale. 

“It has been and remains the policy of the BLM not to sell or send any wild horses or burros to slaughter, and purchasers must certify on their application that they intend to provide good care to their purchased animal(s),” the BLM stated on its website. 

Funds acquired through the sale and adoption program are used to continue the program.