11-18-2010 Elko Daily Free Press

Wild or feral? Wildlife board creates 'feral horse' group

ELKO — The Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has established a committee to examine the impact of horses on wildlife, but they are not calling it a "wild horse" committee.

The new Feral Horse Committee meets at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Nevada Department of Wildlife Office in Fallon. The office is located at 380 W. B St.

Board Chairman Scott Raine said the commission has received a lot of input from county advisory boards on the horse issue. He explained that the committee uses the term "feral" instead of the more widely used term "wild" because "wild" is not a scientifically accurate term for the horses that are now found roaming the range or kept in federal facilities.

"They're feral animals," Raine said. "They are not wild animals. The dictionary defines feral animals as being ones that were once domesticated and have been released or escaped. There are some animals out there that still have brands on them."

Committee members include Chairman Mike Stremler, Board Commissioner Henry Vogler, Wayne Hage, George Parman and Floyd Rathbun.

Items on the agenda include the discussion of using range improvement funds for wildlife projects and the need for an audit of the range improvement money.

Stremler said the committee's main focus is on wildlife and the effect feral horses are having on resources.

Raine said the committee will help gather information on issues such as horse gathers.

"The 1971 act states that free roaming wild horses and burros will be managed in 'thriving ecological balance.' There are steps the (Nevada Department of Wildlife) can take to protect Nevada wildlife," Stremler said.

"Right now there's a lot coming out with (the horses) and we needed someone to help the commission," Raine said.