BLM begins emergency wild horse gather in Nevada

WINNEMUCCA - The U.S. Bureau of Land Management said it plans to remove 630 mustangs in Northern Nevada because of drought conditions.

The federal agency planned to begin the emergency wild horse gather in the Jackson Mountains, northwest of Winnemucca.

Officials said the BLM began hauling water to troughs in the region last month, but there is no suitable forage for the animals because of the drought and the health of the horses is deteriorating.

An estimated 930 horses, including this year's foals, roam the mountains.

Agency officials said while BLM policy is to not round up horses during the foaling season, the drought conditions make removal of the horses an emergency and the gather will begin a month early.