Wild Horses in Danger if Nevada Drought Worsens

ELKO, Nev. (AP) — A lack of rainfall and diminishing water on the range could leave wild horses and ranchers' cattle thirsty and in danger this summer.

The Elko Daily Free Press reports that Bureau of Land Management representative Rich Adams told the county's natural resources board that wild horses could be in grave danger if creeks and springs continue to dry.

The bureau has been hauling water to guzzler troughs and herding horses in overcrowded areas to them, but a lack of space in long and short-term facilities has made gathers problematic. Rich says the bureau is trying to identify problem areas before the summer hits.

Area ranchers are also concerned their cattle won't have enough to drink. Some reported being forced to export or sell cattle because of the drought.