Wild Horses in Peril: Riddle Mountain Rescue Operation Halted

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Wild Horses in Peril: Riddle Mountain Rescue Operation Halted

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BURNS, Ore. - The Bureau of Land Management's plans to rescue horses on Riddle Mountain have been postponed due to a temporary restraining order related to ongoing litigation. After a record dry winter and a fire season that consumed 70% of the herd management area, the herd's health is under immediate threat from severe food and water shortages.

"It's our responsibility to manage and protect these herds," said Don Rotell, Burns District Manager. "When fire and severe drought shrinks water sources and reduces forage, it's the horses and other plants and animals that pay a price."

"We want healthy horses on healthy rangelands," Rotell continued. "Unfortunately, the practical implication of this delay is that it may not be possible to round up these horses before late fall storms make roads in the area impassable."

The rescue operation was planned to start September 9. The BLM will provide any additional updates online.

Rescuing these horses from the range was also part of the BLM's post-fire emergency stabilization and rehabilitation plan for the land. When a severe wildfire burns hot enough to destroy vegetation and alter soil structure, recovery doesn't happen on its own. Without quick action, winter storms can wash away topsoil, invasive weeds can take hold, and damage can last for decades. Resting the land ensures it can continue to provide habitat for the herd, other wildlife and support additional land uses. During this rest period, cattle will not be grazing on these lands, allowing the rangeland to recover without added pressure to its limited forage and water resources.

Public safety and animal welfare remain top priorities. The Wild Horse and Burro Program is committed to the humane and sustainable management of wild horse populations and their habitats. These drive-trap gather operations are guided by the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program, which sets handling standards that prioritize the care and well-being of the animals. Through collaborative efforts, the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program seeks to maintain healthy herds on healthy rangelands now and for future generations.

VIDEO: BLM video of the herd traveling through the scorched rangeland is available on YouTube.

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America's public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.