Speak up for the Famed Wild Horses of the Pryor Mountains: Submit Comments by January 20!
The Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking public comments on a Preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA) on its proposed removal of 30 young wild horses (ages 1-3) from the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, which is situated on the Montana/Wyoming border. This is the herd of the famed wild stallion, Cloud, who is featured in filmmaker Ginger Kathrens' popular PBS Nature documentaries. The herd is also internationally recognized and prized for its Colonial Spanish American lineage.
The BLM estimates the current population of the Pryor Mountain herd to be 150 horses and 17 foals. This number is in excess of the pre-determined "allowable management level" of 120 horses established by the BLM for this 38,000-acre range.
On the positive side, we are encouraged to report that the BLM is attempting to manage this herd using PZP fertility control, which has stabilized population growth, and, if utilized properly, will eliminate the need for future removals entirely. Further, the BLM is proposing to forgo the use of helicopters to capture horses and utilize less traumatic bait and water trapping methods.
On the negative side, however, is the plan to remove 30 young horses from this herd, bringing the population level below the minimum number of horses that equine experts consider necessary to maintain genetic viability.
Now is the time to let the BLM know that you want the agency to implement the "No Action" alternative that will leave the Pryor Mountain horses on the range where they were born and where they deserve to live their lives until they die of natural causes.
Please take easy action to personalize and send the letter below. When you click "Send," your suggestions will be faxed to the BLM!
For more information on the Pryor Mountain wild horses, please visit our coalition partner, The Cloud Foundation,and the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center.