BURNS, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management plans to begin a second emergency operation next week to rescue wild horses from another southeast Oregon herd whose health is under immediate threat from severe food and water shortages. The animals' survival is compromised by a lack of resources due to an especially dry winter and recent wildfires.

Last month, the Bald Mountain Fire burned through the Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area, which was already showing a lack of forage due to ongoing drought.

“We can’t leave these horses out on the burned landscape,” said Don Rotell, Burns District Manager. “Two-thirds of their food was lost to wildfire.”

The BLM will transport the rescued horses to off-range holding facilities, where they will receive veterinary evaluations, appropriate care, high-quality feed, and continuous access to fresh water. The facilities provide ample space that meets established agency standards. Once they have been evaluated and are ready, some of the horses may be available for adoption through the BLM Online Corral.

The rescue operation is planned to start September 9. Media and the public can view the first two days of operations (September 9 and 10), provided that doing so does not disrupt operations or jeopardize the safety of the animals or staff. BLM staff will escort the public to gather observation sites located on public lands. Observation is available by reservation only and is limited to 10-15 people per viewing day. Reservations will be accepted by email only at blm_or_wa_press@blm.gov and must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on the prior business day. Phone and voicemail reservations will not be accepted. 

Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the email date and time received. Participants will receive confirmation by 9 p.m., including meeting times, locations, and additional instructions. Media and public participants should generally plan to meet near Burns, between 4:30 and 6 a.m. for caravanning to the site. Participants must receive confirmation before attending. Viewing opportunities may change or be canceled on short notice because of weather, changing gather locations, safety concerns, or other operational needs.

The BLM will provide updates on the operation’s progress, details about public viewing opportunities, and information on adoption opportunities online.

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. 

Rescuing these horses from the range will also support rangeland health and help the land recover from the recent wildfire, ensuring these areas can continue to provide habitat for the herd, other wildlife and support additional land uses. Through collaborative efforts, the program seeks to maintain healthy herds on healthy rangelands now and for future generations.

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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.