The following information is the June 22, 2026 press release from the Inyo National Forest.
The Inyo National Forest plans to gather 450 wild horses from outside the Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory beginning on July 8. These excess wild horses are damaging sensitive habitats and causing safety concerns. The gathered horses will be transported to Forest Service off-range corrals, where they will be checked by a veterinarian and prepared for adoption programs.
The Montgomery Pass Wild Horse Territory is managed by the Forest Service for a wild horse population between 138 to 230 animals under the 2019 Inyo National Forest Land Management Plan. A 2024 population census estimated there were 699 horses, with most of those roaming outside the territory in areas not designated for their management. They are impacting sensitive wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and tufa geological formations, and posing safety concerns for motorists and cyclists.
Wild horses that stray from their established areas may be removed to reduce conflicts with other resources in accordance with the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971. Gathering animals from an overpopulated herd is the best and most humane way to quickly reduce the impacts of overpopulation. With an overpopulation there is sustained competition among the horses for limited resources and ongoing risk for vehicle-horse collisions near roadways.
The Inyo National Forest will work with a contractor to conduct the gather. Gather contractors will utilize motorized vehicles, including helicopters, to gather horses. Forest Service helicopter-assisted gathers are humane, and often more effective and efficient than other types of gather methods when large numbers of animals need to be removed over wide areas or rugged terrain.
Viewing of gather operations will be offered by reservation for up to 5 viewers each day of the gather. The gather is planned for 7-14 days but may end sooner depending on the number of horses gathered each day. To request a reservation, please email sm.fs.inyowh_b@usda.gov and include your name, phone number, and requested viewing date. Meeting location and time will be provided with the reservation confirmation.
Viewers will need to:
- Drive in rugged terrain
- Walk long distances across uneven and muddy ground
- Prepare for possible inclement weather (rain, snow, wind, heat, intense sun)
- Remain on site until gather operations have concluded for the day
- Bring food, water, clothing layers, folding chair, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses
- Wear neutral colored clothing (avoid brights and darks)
- Be without restroom facilities and cell service
- Not interfere with gather operations
Montgomery Pass wild horse information and gather updates are available on the web at: www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/natural-resources/range/wild-horses. All gathered wild horses go to the Forest Service Double Devil Corral on the Modoc National Forest for adoption. If you are interested in adopting a Montgomery Pass wild horse, visit the corral’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/doubledevilwildhorsecorrals.
Note: Media will be notified of a media viewing opportunity closer to the gather. To be put on the notification list please email: sm.fs.mediadeskr5@usda.gov
Contact Information: sm.fs.inyowh_b@usda.gov
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