Agency OKs wild horse roundup in south-central Idaho

Federal officials plan to roundup nearly all the wild horses in a south-central Idaho wild horse area so the population can be brought down and maintained at about 50 horses.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management said Tuesday it has approved an environmental analysis that includes using fertility control on 25 female horses that would be released back into the wild.

The agency estimates the population at the Saylor Creek Herd Management Area about 15 miles south of Glenns Ferry will be about 170 horses by summer 2020.

The agency says if the roundup occurs then, it expects to capture about 150 horses using a bait and water trap.

Horses not returned to the wild would be prepared for the agency’s adoption program.

It’s not clear when the roundup might occur.

AP Only 2019