What is going on with the wild horses at Mt. Charleston?
Just outside Las Vegas, in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area—on U.S. Forest Service land near Mount Charleston—small bands of wild horses have roamed for decades, including a family herd in Kyle & Lee Canyon. These horses are beloved by the community. They are seen regularly by hikers and residents and have become a symbol of wild beauty, resilience, and connection to this land.
For decades, wild horses have roamed Mt. Charleston, becoming a cherished and iconic part of this mountain landscape. They are living reminders of the West’s untamed spirit—resilient, free, and deeply connected to the land.
But now, that legacy is at risk.
In July 2025, federal agencies removed the Kyle Canyon herd, citing safety concerns. Despite thousands of petition signatures and public outcry, beloved herds were torn from their home and sent to holding facilities out of state. The remaining Lee Canyon herd could be next.
We believe these horses deserve to stay. They are part of this ecosystem. They are part of our community. And they are part of America’s story.
A Bit of History
Horses originally evolved in North America but went extinct here around 10,000 years ago. They were reintroduced by Spanish explorers in the 1500s. The horses we see today are descendants of those early horses and of domesticated horses that escaped or were released over centuries. By the 20th century, many of these herds had adapted to life in the wild—and were being rounded up and slaughtered by ranchers and land developers.
The 1971 Wild and Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act
In response to public outcry, Congress passed the 1971 Act to protect wild horses and burros from capture, abuse, and extinction. The Act declared wild horses as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.” It guarantees protection to wild horses and burros on public lands where they were present in 1971, and charges the BLM and U.S. Forest Service with managing them “as an integral part of the natural system.”
BUT—
The horses in Kyle Canyon are not in a designated Herd Management Area (HMA), even though they've likely lived in the region for decades, and possibly since before 1971. Because of this technicality, the U.S. Forest Service does not recognize them as protected wild horses—labeling them instead as “unauthorized livestock.”
The horses at Mt. Charleston have been there since before roads or homes were built in the area.
What Just Happened
In July 2025, the Forest Service removed seven to eight wild horses—including foals—from Kyle Canyon and transferred them to a holding facility in Utah. The stated reason? Public safety, following reports of horses approaching cars and hikers, and even an incident where a child was kicked after people ignored signs and fed the horses. One car accident caused by speeding, which killed the horse. However, many in the community argue that education and enforcement—not removal—should be the solution.
Why We’re Rallying
This removal ignores the spirit of the 1971 Act. These horses are part of the mountain. They are wild. They matter. The Forest Service failed to pursue non-lethal alternatives, like fencing, signage enforcement, wildlife corridors, or collaboration with local rescues. Over 25,000 people have signed petitions to keep the horses on the mountain. We demand that the Forest Service halt removals, return the horses, and recognize their historic presence as grounds for protection.
Our Message
Wild horses belong on the mountain. Not in a holding pen. Not in an auction. Not erased from the landscape they helped shape. Let’s stand for these animals and ensure future generations can see wild horses where they’ve always roamed—free, proud, and part of our shared home.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!