Federal officials say they plan to capture 150 wild horses starting later this month in central Idaho near Challis -- and remove about fifty horses for adoption.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management said the capture will likely go through mid-April, using a large-scale bait trap operation.
Officials said the Challis Wild Horse Herd Management Area is under a court decree to maintain wild horse numbers within appropriate management levels.
They said that number is up to 253 horses, but the current population is over 280 horses.
Horses selected for adoption will be sent to the Challis Wild Horse Corrals, and mares released back into the wild will be treated with a fertility control vaccine.
Officials pointed out the management area also includes priority sage grouse habitat.
(by Associated Press)
