Why should horses be removed from Sheldon?
Relevant federal law and Service policy require that we manage non-native animals to prevent damage to native wildlife habitat and other resources. These horses and burros have no natural predators in the West, other than an occasional mountain lion. Horse and burro populations increase at a very high rate when compared to populations of mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and other native species for which the refuge was established. During the past ten years, the non-native horse populations have greatly increased, causing damage to upland areas and water sources on the refuge. The herd’s growth rate is very strong, averaging about 17 percent to 23 percent annually. With an estimated current population of about 800 horses and 90 burros, about 155-200/year animals must be removed each year just to keep the current population stable. The horse and burro populations on Sheldon are causing negative impacts to native wildlife and their habitats. Conflicts over scarce water in this desert envir
