BLM Plans Roundup of Rare Curly-Haired Wyoming Mustangs, Drawing Concern from Advocates

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced plans to round up the Salt Wells Creek mustang herd, a group known for its rare curly-haired horses, next summer, Cowboy State Daily reports.

This decision has sparked criticism from mustang advocates who worry about the impact on these unique animals.

The Salt Wells Creek herd, located in the harsh desert near Rock Springs, is one of only two known Wyoming herds to include curly-haired mustangs. These horses, distinguished by their curly manes, tails, and winter coats, are thought to be among only a handful of such herds worldwide. The White Mountain herd nearby is the other Wyoming group with this unusual trait.

While the origin of their curls remains debated, some researchers suggest a possible genetic connection to European domestic horse breeds. However, even within the herds, curly-haired mustangs are uncommon. Mustang advocate Carol Walker estimates that about 100 of the Salt Wells Creek mustangs exhibit this characteristic.

The BLM plans to round up the entire Salt Wells Creek herd, thought to include several hundred horses, as part of a broader effort to manage the mustang population across the region. Roughly 4,800 mustangs roam free near Rock Springs, but the BLM aims to reduce the population to protect desert habitats and address concerns about overpopulation.

The roundup will primarily target “checkerboard” areas where public and private lands are interspersed, and mustangs are said to spend excessive time on private property.

“We’re trying to balance the needs of the land and the animals,” BLM spokesman Micky Fisher said.

Critics of the roundup, including Walker, argue that removing the Salt Wells Creek mustangs is a significant loss. Efforts to halt the operation are underway, with a lawsuit filed in federal court.

“This makes zeroing out the Salt Wells Creek herd all the more tragic,” Walker said.

She emphasized the rarity of the curly-haired mustangs.

Last summer, a similar roundup reduced the White Mountain herd by 500 horses, leaving about 300. That event drew protests, and advocates fear similar public outcry this time.

The BLM plans to relocate the rounded-up horses to holding facilities in Rock Springs and Wheatland, where many will be offered for adoption.

Curly-haired mustangs are in high demand due to their size, distinctive appearance, and reputation for being gentle and human-friendly.

“Whenever they go up for adoption, they’re in high demand,” Walker noted.