Arizona is home to wild horses, a notable part of the state’s natural landscape. While often called “wild,” these horses are technically feral. Their presence adds a unique dimension to Arizona’s diverse ecosystems.
Arizona’s Wild Horse Habitats
Wild horses in Arizona inhabit areas, with a prominent population along the lower Salt River within the Tonto National Forest. This herd, numbering around 300 animals, roams across approximately 20,000 acres, using riparian zones and surrounding desert landscapes. They are observed grazing along riverbanks, wading in water, or moving through adjacent desert terrain. These horses are believed to be descendants of Spanish horses brought to the region as early as the 16th century.
Beyond the Salt River, other wild horse populations are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) across various Herd Management Areas (HMAs) in Arizona. The BLM oversees eight wild horse and burro HMAs, covering approximately 2.3 million acres. Examples include the Cerbat Mountains HMA, north of Kingman, home to about 70 wild horses and known for descendants of Spanish mustangs. These areas encompass diverse landscapes, from mountainous terrain to vast stretches of desert.
Understanding Their Legal Status
The “wild” horses of Arizona, and across the American West, are legally classified as “feral” because their ancestors were domesticated. A feral horse is a free-roaming equine of domesticated origin that has reverted to a wild state. Despite their feral nature, these animals hold a protected status under the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-195). This federal legislation designates them as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West” and mandates their protection, management, and control on public lands.
The Act places the responsibility for managing these populations on federal agencies, primarily the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. These agencies manage wild horses and burros as components of public lands, aiming to maintain a thriving natural ecological balance. Management practices can include monitoring herd health, assessing habitat conditions, and implementing population control measures. Such measures may involve gathers and removals to maintain appropriate management levels, as well as the use of fertility control programs, such as PZP vaccine, to limit population growth humanely.
Responsible Viewing and Protection Efforts
Observing Arizona’s wild horses requires a commitment to responsible and ethical practices to ensure the well-being of both the animals and human visitors. Maintaining a respectful distance, generally at least 50 feet, is important to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Approaching too closely can stress the horses, and it is important to move away if a horse approaches, particularly if they are trying to access water.
Feeding wild horses is harmful and should never occur, as it can disrupt their digestive systems and lead to dependency on humans, which compromises their wild nature. It is also important to keep dogs leashed when in areas where wild horses roam, as dogs can startle or provoke the horses. Remaining quiet and avoiding sudden movements allows for a more authentic and less disruptive viewing experience.
Numerous non-profit organizations and advocacy groups play a significant role in the protection, welfare, and humane management of Arizona’s wild horse populations. For instance, the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group (SRWHMG) is an Arizona-based non-profit dedicated to monitoring, studying, and protecting the Salt River horses. These organizations often work in collaboration with state and federal agencies, contributing to humane management programs like fertility control and rescue efforts. Public awareness and support for these groups contribute to the continued presence and well-being of Arizona’s wild horses.