More than 14,000 wild horses set to be rounded up, removed from western U.S. in 2026
Updated: 6:24 PM EDT Mar 26, 2026
More than 14,000 wild horses are set to be rounded up and removed from the western U.S. in 2026. Federal officials say it’s a Bureau of Land Management initiative aimed at overpopulation. According to reports from the Colorado Sun, the agency argues that the horses are straining environmental resources, citing a growing horse population amid worsening drought and limited resources on public lands. In Colorado, the removal plan will be carried out in three separate roundups, the Colorado Sun reports, two of which will direct mustang horses into corrals using helicopters.The removal process will span several states, officials say. Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming are all listed on the Bureau of Land Management’s tentative removal schedule.Removal plans are scheduled from March through October of 2026. The Bureau of Land Management oversees almost a quarter-billion acres of public land, primarily in the West, and is tasked with managing the wild horse population.This is far from the first time the agency has removed wild horses. It has become an almost annual event — much to the ire of animal activists.Many wild horse advocates acknowledge that lack of forage and water can be an issue in some areas. But they argue removals are unnecessary, particularly via helicopter.Advocates argue that helicopter roundups can kill or injure horses as they are chased for miles across varying terrain. But the agency has resisted efforts to stop using helicopters, saying they’re necessary to access remote herds.The wild horses now on the plains are largely descended from those brought by Europeans hundreds of years ago. Herds can double in size every four to five years, and when populations grow too high they destroy topsoil, disturb water supplies and eat grass essential to native species.
More than 14,000 wild horses are set to be rounded up and removed from the western U.S. in 2026.
Federal officials say it’s a Bureau of Land Management initiative aimed at overpopulation.
According to reports from the Colorado Sun, the agency argues that the horses are straining environmental resources, citing a growing horse population amid worsening drought and limited resources on public lands.
In Colorado, the removal plan will be carried out in three separate roundups, the Colorado Sun reports, two of which will direct mustang horses into corrals using helicopters.
The removal process will span several states, officials say. Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming are all listed on the Bureau of Land Management’s tentative removal schedule.
Removal plans are scheduled from March through October of 2026.
The Bureau of Land Management oversees almost a quarter-billion acres of public land, primarily in the West, and is tasked with managing the wild horse population.
This is far from the first time the agency has removed wild horses. It has become an almost annual event — much to the ire of animal activists.
Many wild horse advocates acknowledge that lack of forage and water can be an issue in some areas. But they argue removals are unnecessary, particularly via helicopter.
Advocates argue that helicopter roundups can kill or injure horses as they are chased for miles across varying terrain. But the agency has resisted efforts to stop using helicopters, saying they’re necessary to access remote herds.
The wild horses now on the plains are largely descended from those brought by Europeans hundreds of years ago. Herds can double in size every four to five years, and when populations grow too high they destroy topsoil, disturb water supplies and eat grass essential to native species.