BLM Warns Public to Not Interfere with Wild Horses

MAY 8, 2025 |

Photo – A wild mare with foal – Courtesy Rawlins Field Office of BLM

The Bureau of Land Management is warning the public not to interfere with wild horses.

On April 22^nd, the Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Field Office issued a reminder that wild horses are federally protected.

Speaking to Bigfoot99, Rawlins Field Office Wild Horse and Burro Specialist Eddie Vandenburg explained his office is responsible for maintaining roughly 1,900 horses in three herd management areas around Rawlins. For unknown reasons, Vandenburg said female horses in those management areas often leave their young behind.

Vandenburg said researchers are unsure why the mares leave their foals behind. Occasionally, a mother will return to her offspring. If that doesn’t happen, Vandenburg said BLM will step in to care for the animal.

Vandenburg said the Rawlins BLM Office does not track the number of abandoned foals it rescues every year. However, the Wild Horse Specialist estimates that his office takes in two to four young horses annually.

Vandenburg said the origin of the Rawlins wild horse herds remains uncertain.

Vandenburg reminded the public that all wild horses and burros on public lands are federally protected under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. The Wild Horse Specialist said to contact BLM if you see a horse that appears to be in distress.

Vandenburg said he rarely encounters individuals who try to remove wild horses from federal land. Instead, people typically will notice a horse in distress but wait to report it to BLM. Vandenburg urged the public to immediately report sick or injured horses to the agency.

Your urgency could play a critical role. Vandenburg said the sooner BLM rescues a horse, the greater its chance of successful rehabilitation.

The Rawlins Office Wild Horse Specialist said he wants to avoid the perception that the animals under his supervision are all sick or injured. Vandenburg said in his opinion, Wyoming is home to the healthiest horses in the world.

Under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971, it is illegal to capture, brand, harass, or kill wild horses and burros on public lands. Violating the law may result in criminal penalties, including fines of up to $2,000 and a maximum of one year in prison.

If you see a horse that appears to be injured, sick, or abandoned, call the Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Office at 328-4200.