Spaying research proposed as part of Wyoming horse roundup

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Geological Survey plan to study the effects of spaying as a way to limit wild horse numbers in southwest Wyoming.

The BLM is taking public comments on a proposal to put tracking devices on male and female wild horses during a population-control roundup next summer or fall.

After a year, between 30 and 50 mares would be rounded up again, spayed and re-released for additional study. Goals include learning more about out how spaying might affect horse behavior.

Wild horses have a history of overpopulating public rangelands in Wyoming and elsewhere. The BLM has had limited success with using fertility control drugs to try to limit horse numbers.

Public comments on the roundup and research study are due by Jan. 14.