In Mono County, roughly 60 miles northeast of Mammoth Lakes near the Nevada border, a group of wild horses found themselves on the wrong side of winter. Pushed outside their designated territory near Montgomery Pass, they ran into deep snow, limited water, and almost no forage.
The USDA Forest Service is launching an emergency, humane operation in the Inyo National Forest to trap and relocate snow-bound wild horses using bait and water traps. Quiet. Controlled. Intentionally low-drama. The goal is to keep the horses alive and give land managers time to determine next steps.
A key detail that matters: the horses are in poor condition and require a methodical feeding and watering schedule. Well-meaning human snacks are not helpful here. Feeding wild horses can cause impaction colic and actually increase the risk of death.
Because the trap method relies on calm conditions, the area is temporarily closed and access is restricted.
Big thanks to Blake De Boc for creating awareness around this situation.
