| (Lee Vining, CA, July 16, 2026) – The Inyo National Forest completed gather operations for excess wild horses located outside the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory to protect sensitive habitats and address safety concerns. A total of 461 horses were gathered.
From July 8-10, the Inyo National Forest worked with a contractor to conduct the gather utilizing helicopters. Forest Service helicopter-assisted gathers are humane, and often more effective and efficient than other types of gather methods when large numbers of animals need to be removed over wide areas or rugged terrain.
The 461 gathered horses include 190 studs, 188 mares, and 83 foals. Though no horses died as a result of gather operations, three horses were humanely euthanized due to pre-existing chronic ailments, including physical defect, poor body condition, and severe lameness. The decision was made with guidance and consultation from a veterinarian that examined the horses on-site.
Gathered wild horses have been transported to the Forest Service Double Devil Corral on the Modoc National Forest. After they have been checked by veterinarians, they will be made available for adoption. If you are interested in adopting a Montgomery Pass wild horse, visit the corral’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/doubledevilwildhorsecorrals.
The Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory is managed by the Forest Service for a wild horse population between 138 to 230 animals under the 2019 Inyo National Forest Land Management Plan. A 2024 population census estimated there were 699 horses, with most of those roaming outside the territory in areas not designated for their management. They were impacting sensitive wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and tufa geological formations, and posing safety concerns for motorists and cyclists.
Wild horses that stray from their established areas may be removed to reduce conflicts with other resources in accordance with the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. Gathering animals from an overpopulated herd is the best and most humane way to quickly reduce the impacts of overpopulation. With an overpopulation there is sustained competition among the horses for limited resources and ongoing risk for vehicle-horse collisions near roadways.
Montgomery Pass wild horse information and daily gather numbers are available online: www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/natural-resources/range/wild-horses. |
