Questions about Free-Roaming Horses
As we have presented our information, we have encountered many questions. Those that aren't answered on our research pages (see link above) we will try to answer here.
Why the big interest in so many free-roaming herds? Why not have a single horse reserve or zoo?
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Many people care about free-roaming horses because they are part of our cultural heritage. They have been in North America since European explorers and missionaries came to the continent; many indigenous tribes have since incorporated horses into their lifestyle and heritage, and European settlers relied on horses as they colonized the land.
We would like to manage them in separate herds for a couple of reasons. One, is the nature of their ecology. A stallion protects his harem and immature offspring, which creates a small herd. Several of these stallions-harem complexes make up a larger herd that interact with each other. Second, we need separate herds to maintain genetic viability and keep the herds healthy. If a disease came through a horse herd, it might kill all members of that herd. However, a herd that was miles away would survive. Similarly, when horses are dying of starvation and dehydration in the drought conditions in Nevada, horses manage in Wyoming are not experiencing those drought conditions. Federal regulations do allow for horses to be managed on private reserves. However, there is no private land area large enough to support all the horses that are over carrying capacity right now. In any one year, given vegetation conditions in the western U.S., we might have 60,000 more horses than federal public lands can support. And this usually means that horses on Tribal lands, such as in the Navajo Nation, are also over carrying capacity by a similar number of horses. A private reserve is an option that can be used in conjunction with other management strategies to keep our free-roaming horse herds healthy. |
It Seems to me that cattle overabundance is the primary threat to western rangeland ecosystems, not feral horses and burros. Can you comment on that?
Cattle overabundance, and feral horse and burro overabundance, are two separate issues and threats to our western rangeland ecosystems. Ecologists and managers alike do not want too many of any one species consuming rangeland resources. Cattle (we usually mean beef when we use this word) and sheep are introduced species to our western rangelands, just like horses and burros are. To manage cattle and sheep (livestock) the Taylor Grazing Act was created, and still governs livestock management on federal lands to this day. Additionally, the Federal Land Management and Policy Act of 1976 mandated multiple use and sustained yields on our federal lands. In a nutshell, this means that the Federal lands are managed for livestock grazing, but in a way that should be balanced with other uses such as recreation, wildlife and natural resource conservation, and resource extraction. When livestock grazing conflicts with wildlife and natural resources conservation goals, there is a consultation process with the permittees that 'rent' that land. The permitted number of animals on the landscape is adjusted to regain a balance.
For horses, the Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act also mandated the federal agencies will manage horses located on certain federal lands spelled out in subsequent articles after the Act. Similar to cattle, horses and burros should be managed in a way that is balanced with other uses of federal lands, including recreation, wildlife and natural resource conservation, resource extraction, and livestock grazing. When horses or burros are not in balance with these uses, there is no permittee to consult with to adjust the numbers. Instead, the federal agencies work within the constraints of the Act to remove horses from the problem areas and restore a balance. Because of our public processes (that are good and needed) the act of removing excess horses and burros is a lot slower than when we are dealing with cattle. We can't simply take them off the rangelands and put them back on personal property. With excess cattle, the excess are sold and slaughtered. This is certainly not an option for horses and burros. Instead the federal agencies can eventually remove horses and burros from the problem areas and put them in holding facilities, and hopefully get them adopted to caring people across the Nation.
For horses, the Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act also mandated the federal agencies will manage horses located on certain federal lands spelled out in subsequent articles after the Act. Similar to cattle, horses and burros should be managed in a way that is balanced with other uses of federal lands, including recreation, wildlife and natural resource conservation, resource extraction, and livestock grazing. When horses or burros are not in balance with these uses, there is no permittee to consult with to adjust the numbers. Instead, the federal agencies work within the constraints of the Act to remove horses from the problem areas and restore a balance. Because of our public processes (that are good and needed) the act of removing excess horses and burros is a lot slower than when we are dealing with cattle. We can't simply take them off the rangelands and put them back on personal property. With excess cattle, the excess are sold and slaughtered. This is certainly not an option for horses and burros. Instead the federal agencies can eventually remove horses and burros from the problem areas and put them in holding facilities, and hopefully get them adopted to caring people across the Nation.
Are there any indigenous groups that are stakeholders in horse and burro management?
Federally recognized Tribes are autonomous, and manage feral horses and burros on their tribal lands according to their own laws and customs. Similarly, federally recognized Tribes do not manage horses and burros on Federal lands. However, they are stakeholders, in that indigenous people live and rely on our western rangelands, and are affected by the decisions of the Federal government regarding horses and burros.
HOW TO HELP CONSERVE WILDLIFE
Read some of our Q and A'S below, or ask a question of your own!
How long can frog eggs survive out of water?
Frogs eggs cannot survive out of water for more than a couple minutes. The membrane of the eggs is porous, allowing water to circulate slowly through the eggs as the tadpoles develop. It is a delicately balanced process. They do not have lungs and are essentially still like fish at this stage. Taking them out of water suffocates them, much like it would do a fish if you took it out of water for a few hours
A Marmot Near My Home is Spooked Due to Construction, Should I Help Him/Feed Him?
The marmot is going to be ok. There are many areas nearby that the marmot will adventure to in a few days to find a new home. He is just a little unsure of what is going on right now. Please do not feed him. If you feed him, he may decide that living under the shed isn’t all that bad. While this may be ok in June, this won’t be ok in October when it begins to get colder and natural food is hard to find. Additionally, marmots are herbivores; just like us, they need to eat a variety of plants to stay healthy. We can’t provide that diet as well as he can find it for himself. In order for him to find a new, suitable place to live out the rest of his life, he needs to venture away from the shed, not get comfortable living there. If a week or so goes by, and your marmot is still hanging out under the shed, and is looking a little worse for it, you can call the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. They will get you in touch with a person that can safely trap and relocate the marmot to more suitable, safe habitat.
The marmot is going to be ok. There are many areas nearby that the marmot will adventure to in a few days to find a new home. He is just a little unsure of what is going on right now. Please do not feed him. If you feed him, he may decide that living under the shed isn’t all that bad. While this may be ok in June, this won’t be ok in October when it begins to get colder and natural food is hard to find. Additionally, marmots are herbivores; just like us, they need to eat a variety of plants to stay healthy. We can’t provide that diet as well as he can find it for himself. In order for him to find a new, suitable place to live out the rest of his life, he needs to venture away from the shed, not get comfortable living there. If a week or so goes by, and your marmot is still hanging out under the shed, and is looking a little worse for it, you can call the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. They will get you in touch with a person that can safely trap and relocate the marmot to more suitable, safe habitat.
What Are the Main Uses for the Tunnels that Moles Dig, How Can Moles Benefit Our Yards, How Many Babies Can One Mole Have Per Year, What is the Main Diet of a Mole, and How Long Does a Mole Live For?
In Texas, like where you are, you can find the Eastern mole, Scalopus aquaticus. My answers are based on that species. Many small creatures can use mole tunnels when the moles are around. Mice, chipmunks, lizards, and snakes are a few animals that might use mole tunnels. Most people think of moles as animals that damage their yard, because of the many holes that they can leave behind. If you don't mind the holes, moles digging turns up the soil, rotating nutrients into the ground, much like tilling. A female mole can give birth to 2-5 babies a year, sometime in late March - April. The principal diet of moles consists of earthworms, grubs, beetles and insect larvae. Vegetation occasionally makes up a small portion of their diet. They eat from 70 to 100 percent of their weight each day to compensate for the tremendous amount of energy expended in burrowing through the soil. Moles live to around 2 years of age.
In Texas, like where you are, you can find the Eastern mole, Scalopus aquaticus. My answers are based on that species. Many small creatures can use mole tunnels when the moles are around. Mice, chipmunks, lizards, and snakes are a few animals that might use mole tunnels. Most people think of moles as animals that damage their yard, because of the many holes that they can leave behind. If you don't mind the holes, moles digging turns up the soil, rotating nutrients into the ground, much like tilling. A female mole can give birth to 2-5 babies a year, sometime in late March - April. The principal diet of moles consists of earthworms, grubs, beetles and insect larvae. Vegetation occasionally makes up a small portion of their diet. They eat from 70 to 100 percent of their weight each day to compensate for the tremendous amount of energy expended in burrowing through the soil. Moles live to around 2 years of age.
A Robin's Nest In My Yard Has Lost its Eggs. What happened?
Let's start with these questions:
"This year everything seemed well. Each day another egg appeared until there were 3. Yesterday I noticed there was only 1 egg and it looked different than before. It was more a part of the nest than on top of it. I saw the mother early yesterday but haven’t seen her on the nest since. What should we do? What happened? If no one returns to the nest should we remove it?"
It does appear that the robin has decided to move her nest. It could be from added activity from you but it could also be from added attention from a nest predator (given that there are a couple eggs missing). If no bird makes a nest there in the next couple weeks, I would remove it. Most song bird species do not reuse a nest, but they will reuse a place where a past nest was successful. Just use gloves and wash hands after -- birds often have mites that can be transferred to you and get into your house.
"Is using my porch light enough to cause any problem? Should I find a night-light or something and keep the light off (in case it would disturb the bird enough to abandon the nest)?"
Yes, the added activity and light might have made the robin nervous enough to move her nest. But it could have been something else altogether, so don't feel bad.
If another nest is built in that location in the future, you can place a piece of cardboard against the window, like a shirt-box or similar, in front of the nest, so that the light does not shine directly on her in the dark. The light on her may have made her feel exposed to nocturnal predators. I hope that helps and I hope she comes back. Watching nests is such a great way to learn about birds.
Let's start with these questions:
"This year everything seemed well. Each day another egg appeared until there were 3. Yesterday I noticed there was only 1 egg and it looked different than before. It was more a part of the nest than on top of it. I saw the mother early yesterday but haven’t seen her on the nest since. What should we do? What happened? If no one returns to the nest should we remove it?"
It does appear that the robin has decided to move her nest. It could be from added activity from you but it could also be from added attention from a nest predator (given that there are a couple eggs missing). If no bird makes a nest there in the next couple weeks, I would remove it. Most song bird species do not reuse a nest, but they will reuse a place where a past nest was successful. Just use gloves and wash hands after -- birds often have mites that can be transferred to you and get into your house.
"Is using my porch light enough to cause any problem? Should I find a night-light or something and keep the light off (in case it would disturb the bird enough to abandon the nest)?"
Yes, the added activity and light might have made the robin nervous enough to move her nest. But it could have been something else altogether, so don't feel bad.
If another nest is built in that location in the future, you can place a piece of cardboard against the window, like a shirt-box or similar, in front of the nest, so that the light does not shine directly on her in the dark. The light on her may have made her feel exposed to nocturnal predators. I hope that helps and I hope she comes back. Watching nests is such a great way to learn about birds.
I Am Concerned About a Lone and Hurt Wild-Goose I Saw, is there Anything I Can Do?
A lone Canada goose probably got separated from its group when it got hurt. It isn't common for them to be by themselves. Wild animals are extremely resilient, and it might still be able to recover and catch up to its flock. If there are no internal injuries, the goose will eventually fly off again, once it recovers from the shock of being hit. It probably won't live as long as a healthy goose, but it will live. As long as its wings are healthy it can fly from danger. Also, it can still forage on grass and seeds, although it is more difficult to get around.
A wildlife recovery center is a good group to call. You might also call your local wildlife management agency - they may know a person willing to come and rehabilitate the goose. However, sometimes, wildlife officials decide to leave an animal alone if catching it will cause it more stress and damage than it can handle, and if they determine it will recover on its own.
A lone Canada goose probably got separated from its group when it got hurt. It isn't common for them to be by themselves. Wild animals are extremely resilient, and it might still be able to recover and catch up to its flock. If there are no internal injuries, the goose will eventually fly off again, once it recovers from the shock of being hit. It probably won't live as long as a healthy goose, but it will live. As long as its wings are healthy it can fly from danger. Also, it can still forage on grass and seeds, although it is more difficult to get around.
A wildlife recovery center is a good group to call. You might also call your local wildlife management agency - they may know a person willing to come and rehabilitate the goose. However, sometimes, wildlife officials decide to leave an animal alone if catching it will cause it more stress and damage than it can handle, and if they determine it will recover on its own.
How Can I Help a Small Rodent Like a Groundhog Who Has Been Hit By a Vehicle?
Well, let me first that say it was very kind of you to try so hard to help a little guy out. It would probably be best for you to pick up and merely move the animal to a safe place near where it was hit. Animals have an amazing resilience to injury and will often recover. Most animals may wake after a hit and be very afraid, therefore it is best that they do not get taken home or put into your vehicle without some type of cage or other container. Another survival response you may see an animal use is to stand as still as possible in the face of danger (as in, seeing you there after being awoken). In this case, it sounds counter-intuitive, but it is something instinctive that the animal can't get around. Once it got its bearings and felt safer it will move - another reason to not put a loose animal into your vehicle.
Generally, we discourage relocating wildlife because it can be traumatic to the animal and spread diseases. Further, it may cause the animal to be at a disadvantage as it needs to find new shelter, food sources, etc.
Well, let me first that say it was very kind of you to try so hard to help a little guy out. It would probably be best for you to pick up and merely move the animal to a safe place near where it was hit. Animals have an amazing resilience to injury and will often recover. Most animals may wake after a hit and be very afraid, therefore it is best that they do not get taken home or put into your vehicle without some type of cage or other container. Another survival response you may see an animal use is to stand as still as possible in the face of danger (as in, seeing you there after being awoken). In this case, it sounds counter-intuitive, but it is something instinctive that the animal can't get around. Once it got its bearings and felt safer it will move - another reason to not put a loose animal into your vehicle.
Generally, we discourage relocating wildlife because it can be traumatic to the animal and spread diseases. Further, it may cause the animal to be at a disadvantage as it needs to find new shelter, food sources, etc.
Will the Horned Owl On My Property Attack My Cat?
I appreciate your concern. A great horned owl can definitely view a small cat as food. It would be difficult for the owl to actually grab and fly off with a cat, but it can still cause serious injury. If it were attacked, it would really depend on how quickly the cat reacted before the owl made contact. Owl talons can break bones and puncture organs. So, an outright attack may not cause direct mortality but could result in some serious wounds. With plenty of other food around, the owl
will probably decide the cat isn't worth the fight -- but to determine that there may be 1-2 'interactions' first. Also, the cat will quickly learn that there are
fearful things in the woods that they need to avoid. It is illegal to harass an owl, especially one that is nesting. However, I think it is appropriate to scare off the owl if you see it getting close to your cat. Owls are opportunistic hunters but don't really put in that much effort during the day after they rear their young. They want something easy, so if you make it difficult (by scaring or chasing) you will change the owl's desire to hunt near your home during the day. Definitely keep your cat indoors until after dawn and bring her in before dusk. I do think an owl attack is rare (I was raised with cats in owl habitat and never had an incident), but rare isn't never.
I appreciate your concern. A great horned owl can definitely view a small cat as food. It would be difficult for the owl to actually grab and fly off with a cat, but it can still cause serious injury. If it were attacked, it would really depend on how quickly the cat reacted before the owl made contact. Owl talons can break bones and puncture organs. So, an outright attack may not cause direct mortality but could result in some serious wounds. With plenty of other food around, the owl
will probably decide the cat isn't worth the fight -- but to determine that there may be 1-2 'interactions' first. Also, the cat will quickly learn that there are
fearful things in the woods that they need to avoid. It is illegal to harass an owl, especially one that is nesting. However, I think it is appropriate to scare off the owl if you see it getting close to your cat. Owls are opportunistic hunters but don't really put in that much effort during the day after they rear their young. They want something easy, so if you make it difficult (by scaring or chasing) you will change the owl's desire to hunt near your home during the day. Definitely keep your cat indoors until after dawn and bring her in before dusk. I do think an owl attack is rare (I was raised with cats in owl habitat and never had an incident), but rare isn't never.
We just moved to an area with a lot of deer, birds, and other animals on the east side of Cedar City, UT. What advice do you have for creating a wildlife friendly yard?
First, some general information:
All animals have the same basic needs : food, water, shelter (from the elements, from predators, and to raise young). Wildlife need these things to be in relatively close proximity to each other; how much space an animal uses to get these requirements is called its home range. For small wildlife species such as lizards and mice, your yard might encompass an animal's entire home range. For larger animals and birds, your yard might only be a small part of an animal's home range.
If you have a specific type of animal or species of animal that you are interested in, we can work together to determine some specific requirements and home range information.
Now for some ideas:
To attract a wide variety of species, you should create or maintain diversity in your yard. For example, you could establish trees and shrubs of varying heights and species, preferably in clusters, in your yard to create a diversity of shelter choices. To provide habitat for lizards, you might create a rock garden with "sun bathing" rocks. Planting native berry-producing shrubs in your yard will attract migratory birds in the fall.
In creating a "wildlife friendly" yard, please keep in mind that you might attract wildlife that you really didn't intend to. We want you to increase your positive experiences with wildlife without creating opportunities for negative experiences with wildlife. For example, Cedar City is black widow country. Black widows like rock gardens, where they live in the crevasses between the rocks. If your yard is a haven for small mammals, it might attract predators of those small mammals, such as grey fox, red fox, or coyotes. Additionally, you will want to be careful to plant trees and shrubs that are generally not preferred by mule deer. When you are ready, we can provide you with a list of plant species that might be best for your yard. None of the above species are "bad" species, but they could create some concerns that you will want to be aware of.
Creating "wildlife friendly" yards can provide fabulous experiences for you and your family. But remember, please do not provide food intended for humans or pets to wildlife -- this includes not keeping your dog or cat food outside. Please remind your family to never try to tame wildlife -- to do so might have negative consequences to them or the wildlife. To maintain positive experiences with wildlife, and avoid negative experiences, we need to keep wildlife wild!
For more information, you can stop by your Iron County Extension office to talk to our Horticulturalist or come and see me (SCA rm 202, SUU Campus); or you are welcome to continue to email me.
First, some general information:
All animals have the same basic needs : food, water, shelter (from the elements, from predators, and to raise young). Wildlife need these things to be in relatively close proximity to each other; how much space an animal uses to get these requirements is called its home range. For small wildlife species such as lizards and mice, your yard might encompass an animal's entire home range. For larger animals and birds, your yard might only be a small part of an animal's home range.
If you have a specific type of animal or species of animal that you are interested in, we can work together to determine some specific requirements and home range information.
Now for some ideas:
To attract a wide variety of species, you should create or maintain diversity in your yard. For example, you could establish trees and shrubs of varying heights and species, preferably in clusters, in your yard to create a diversity of shelter choices. To provide habitat for lizards, you might create a rock garden with "sun bathing" rocks. Planting native berry-producing shrubs in your yard will attract migratory birds in the fall.
In creating a "wildlife friendly" yard, please keep in mind that you might attract wildlife that you really didn't intend to. We want you to increase your positive experiences with wildlife without creating opportunities for negative experiences with wildlife. For example, Cedar City is black widow country. Black widows like rock gardens, where they live in the crevasses between the rocks. If your yard is a haven for small mammals, it might attract predators of those small mammals, such as grey fox, red fox, or coyotes. Additionally, you will want to be careful to plant trees and shrubs that are generally not preferred by mule deer. When you are ready, we can provide you with a list of plant species that might be best for your yard. None of the above species are "bad" species, but they could create some concerns that you will want to be aware of.
Creating "wildlife friendly" yards can provide fabulous experiences for you and your family. But remember, please do not provide food intended for humans or pets to wildlife -- this includes not keeping your dog or cat food outside. Please remind your family to never try to tame wildlife -- to do so might have negative consequences to them or the wildlife. To maintain positive experiences with wildlife, and avoid negative experiences, we need to keep wildlife wild!
For more information, you can stop by your Iron County Extension office to talk to our Horticulturalist or come and see me (SCA rm 202, SUU Campus); or you are welcome to continue to email me.
Concern over dead birds in backyard
There could be several culprits that might be at work here, depending on how many birds are dying. If there are several birds dying over the course of several days, I hate to say it, but that might be the result of poisoning or shooting. If it were just one bird, I might say a cat got it, or it hit your house and terminally injured itself or something random happened. Several deaths indicate a pattern. So, unless you have cats that like to hang out under your bird feeder as well, then...
Shooting:
If you think it is a shooting event, your best option is to call your local Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office, and ask to speak to a biologist that works with "non-game birds" to have somebody come and inspect the birds. You can also inspect the birds yourself, if you feel comfortable doing so, but the Division Biologist knows how to do so safely. If you feel comfortable, wearing gloves, you can carefully inspect the birds' bodies for any wounds that would indicate a bullet or pellet injured them.
Shooting birds within residential areas is illegal, and more importantly, is not safe for neighbors. If the birds are being shot, you need to know, and so does the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Poisoning:
This is probably not the result of the grass killer. MOST herbicides certified for residential uses are safe for wildlife species. So, this is probably not the result of the herbicide being passed up the food chain. If somebody is intentionally poisoning the doves, using a wildlife poison, a wildlife biologist will be able to notice the signs via blood in the mouth and nostrils, etc. Again, this is illegal, and this behavior is not safe for neighbors or their pets.
Disease:
Although we have not seen much activity with West Nile Virus in recent years, this could be a potential cause of death. Again, this is something that the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources should be aware of. I am not trying to cause alarm, because this is probably the least likely cause of death, but to be safe, I wanted to mention it. West Nile Virus is first detected in birds, but then may be transmitted to humans via mosquito bite. So, a group of doves dying for no other visible reason would be cause for concern.
Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I strongly suggest that you contact your local Division wildlife biologist, in the interest of public safety, at the very least. I hope that there is a simple solution to the problem.
There could be several culprits that might be at work here, depending on how many birds are dying. If there are several birds dying over the course of several days, I hate to say it, but that might be the result of poisoning or shooting. If it were just one bird, I might say a cat got it, or it hit your house and terminally injured itself or something random happened. Several deaths indicate a pattern. So, unless you have cats that like to hang out under your bird feeder as well, then...
Shooting:
If you think it is a shooting event, your best option is to call your local Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office, and ask to speak to a biologist that works with "non-game birds" to have somebody come and inspect the birds. You can also inspect the birds yourself, if you feel comfortable doing so, but the Division Biologist knows how to do so safely. If you feel comfortable, wearing gloves, you can carefully inspect the birds' bodies for any wounds that would indicate a bullet or pellet injured them.
Shooting birds within residential areas is illegal, and more importantly, is not safe for neighbors. If the birds are being shot, you need to know, and so does the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Poisoning:
This is probably not the result of the grass killer. MOST herbicides certified for residential uses are safe for wildlife species. So, this is probably not the result of the herbicide being passed up the food chain. If somebody is intentionally poisoning the doves, using a wildlife poison, a wildlife biologist will be able to notice the signs via blood in the mouth and nostrils, etc. Again, this is illegal, and this behavior is not safe for neighbors or their pets.
Disease:
Although we have not seen much activity with West Nile Virus in recent years, this could be a potential cause of death. Again, this is something that the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources should be aware of. I am not trying to cause alarm, because this is probably the least likely cause of death, but to be safe, I wanted to mention it. West Nile Virus is first detected in birds, but then may be transmitted to humans via mosquito bite. So, a group of doves dying for no other visible reason would be cause for concern.
Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I strongly suggest that you contact your local Division wildlife biologist, in the interest of public safety, at the very least. I hope that there is a simple solution to the problem.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
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