ST. GEORGE — Recent reports from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have revealed a concerning trend: for the third year in a row, the number of wild horses and burros roaming the diverse landscapes of the American West – from the semi-arid plains and deserts to the prairies, grasslands, and badlands – is on the decline.
According to the latest data from the BLM, as of March 1, the estimated population of these federally protected animals on BLM-managed lands stands at 73,520. This figure marks a significant drop of 9,363 animals when compared to the 2023 estimate.
However, due to the inherent uncertainties associated with aerial and statistical analyses - which are commonly used to estimate wild horse populations - the actual number of these animals on federal land could range anywhere between 63,432 and 85,249.
The exact reasons behind this decline remain somewhat elusive. However, Scott Fluer, BLM’s deputy division chief for on-range operations for the National Wild Horse and Burro Program, suggests that it’s likely a result of a combination of factors.
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Disagree the decrease is necessary for ecosystem balance