Due to continued drought conditions, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has decided to remove over 200 feral horses in the Maverick-Medicine Herd Management Area and the Wood Hills. The decision stems from “reduced forage growth” that makes the area risky for “both the land and horse population,” according to Channel 2 News Nevada.

“The gathering is essential to address herd overpopulation and ensure the future well-being of both the horses and their habitat,” said the agency.

By Thursday, the BLM Elko District Office will begin an emergency gather of approximately 215 excess horses. Captured horses will be brought to the Palomino Valley Wild Horse and Burro Center. Once they receive veterinary care, they’ll be available via BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sale Program.

“The BLM’s priority is to conduct safe, efficient wild horse gathers with a focus on humane care and treatment,” said the agency. “Using the best available science and handling practices, the BLM and its contractors will meet and gather goals in line with the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Policy.”

The targeted area is part of the Triple B Complex, which includes the Triple B, Maverick-Medicine and the western third of the Antelope Valley Herd Management Areas as well as the Cherry Spring Wild Horse Territory. The emergency gather will be conducted under the Antelope and Triple B Complexes Gather Plan Environmental Assessment (EA) DOI-BLM-NV-E030-2017-0010-EA.