Wild Horse Gather Removes 140 Horses Near Delta
Residents near Delta should expect temporary public land closures and a drone ban while the roundup runs.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Bureau of Land Management began operations on November 3, 2026 to gather and remove wild horses from the Swasey Herd Management Area near Delta, Utah. The agency plans to remove about 140 of the roughly 247 horses in the area, aiming for a herd of 60 to 100 animals.
Why it matters
The agency says the Swasey population is above what the range can sustain, and overcrowding forces horses to compete harder for forage and travel farther, which raises their health risks. The operation also drew scrutiny after a New York Times investigation alleged that horses were sold to contractors for as little as $25 each and resold to slaughterhouses, which the agency denies.
The Bureau of Land Management plans to gather and remove approximately 140 wild horses from a population of about 247, targeting a herd of 60 to 100 animals. The operation temporarily closes certain public lands around the herd and bans drones during the gather.
The players
Bureau of Land Management
The federal agency that manages public rangelands and wild horse populations in the western United States, and the body running this gather in Utah.
The details
Crews will gather horses from the Swasey Herd Management Area, and the agency will evaluate the health of every gathered horse before placing it up for adoption, sale, or transfer to qualified individuals. All contractors and agency staff are trained in humane gather and handling techniques designed for wild horses and burros. Public lands around the herd will be closed temporarily while the operation runs.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: Gather operations began in the Swasey Herd Management Area.
The Home Front
Gather operations like this one are a recurring tool the Bureau of Land Management uses to bring herds in line with what each herd management area can sustain. The Swasey operation follows that pattern, with the stated goal of reducing competition for forage and limiting the longer travel that overcrowding forces on horses.
If you live near Delta or travel through the Swasey area, expect temporary public land closures and a drone ban during the gather. Anyone interested in adopting a horse should watch for the agency's health evaluation and adoption process once the gathered animals are available.
The takeaway
Wild horse population decisions often hinge on what a range can sustain, so overcrowding is the core driver to watch. If you plan to visit the area, check for temporary land closures before heading out.
Further reading
For more on the species and places involved, explore our Wildlife coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC 4.
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