BLM Will Reduce Saylor Creek Wild Horse Herd

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX)-Bureau of Land Management officials have decided to gather excess wild mustangs in southern Idaho and reduce the herd.

This week the BLM Jarbidge Field Office, authorized the removal of excess horses from the Saylor Creek Herd Management Area south of Glenns Ferry in Owyhee and Elmore counties to protect the range and wild horses by slowing the population growth. Officials said fertility control will be administered to mares that will be reintroduced to the management area.

The current population of horses is estimated to be 137 on about 101,876 acres of federal, state, and private land. By the end of next year the population is expected to hit nearly 170 animals, according to the BLM. The agency has determined the appropriate herd limit to be 50 horses.

Animals not reintroduced to the range will be up for adoption and sale through the BLM National Wild Horse and Burro program. BLM did not set a date for the gather, but will use bait and water traps to catch the horses.