BLM Confronts Challenges in the West's
Wild Horse and Burro Program

The Bureau of Land Management is facing a number of difficult challenges in its national Wild Horse and Burro Program. Our goal in the West is to manage healthy, free-roaming herds on healthy rangelands; however, it is becoming increasingly difficult to do so. 

Wild horses and burros in the West have virtually no natural predators and their herd sizes can double about every four years. As a result, the agency must remove thousands of animals from Western public rangelands each year to ensure that herd sizes are consistent with the land’s capacity to support them. There are currently more than 30,000 wild horses and burros that are fed and cared for at short-term and long-term holding facilities. It is essential to keep the BLM’s wild horse and burro program in balance. Right now, the cost of keeping these animals in holding facilities is spiraling out of control and preventing the agency from successfully managing other parts of the program.  For example, in Fiscal Year 2008, holding costs will exceed $26 million, which is more than three-fourths of the BLM’s congressional appropriation of about $37 million for this program.

In addition, rising energy prices have increased costs. In one year alone (Fiscal Year 2007 to Fiscal Year 2008), energy costs for transportation and feed have increased by almost $4 million.  It is clear the agency cannot continue current removal and holding practices under existing and projected budgets. Neither can the BLM allow horses to multiply unchecked on the range without causing an environmental disaster.  The BLM is looking at all options at this point to manage through the situation.  We have not made any decisions about which option to pursue, but we are in discussions with humane groups to find an appropriate legal solution.  

The BLM welcomes your input as we work to improve the program and ensure the welfare of wild horses and burros while staying within our budget. To leave feedback on this program, please click here or call 1-800-710-7597.