The BLM said, due to a lack of forage and water within the HMA, an increasing number of horses have been moving outside the HMA, creating traffic hazards, conflicts with local property owners, and other public safety issues. | Photo: iStock

Beginning on or about Feb. 6, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada’s Carson City District will begin gather operations to reduce an overpopulation of wild horses in the Pine Nut Mountains Herd Management Area, the agency said.

As of March 1, 2018, the BLM estimated approximately 775 wild horses roamed the Pine Nut Mountains HMA, which is more than four times the number that the area can support. The BLM plans to remove approximately 575 excess wild horses from within and outside the HMA.

The BLM has set the appropriate management level for the HMA at 118-179 wild horses. Approximately 200 wild horses will remain in the Pine Nut Mountain range once the gather is completed