Estimated read time: Less than a minute
ST. GEORGE — The Bureau of Land Management recently reported that, for the third consecutive year, populations of wild horses and burros inhabiting the semi-arid plains, deserts, prairies, grasslands and badlands of the American West are experiencing a decline.
The most recent data from BLM indicates that as of March 1, there are an estimated 73,520 federally protected wild horses and burros on BLM-managed lands. This figure represents a decrease of 9,363 animals compared to the 2023 estimate.
Because of the inherent uncertainties in aerial and statistical analyses – one of the most common practices to judge wild horse populations – the estimates then range between 63,432 and 85,249 animals on federal land.
Although the precise reasons for the decline are not completely known, it is likely due to a combination of factors, said Scott Fluer, BLM deputy division chief for on-range operations for the National Wild Horse and Burro Program.
