US Officials Issue Kill Order for Feral Cows in New Mexico Wilderness

Wildlife officials in New Mexico have issued a kill order for feral cows in the Gila Wilderness, the first designated wilderness area in the United States. The move comes amid drought and concerns about damage to the environment caused by the unbranded livestock. However, the plan has been met with resistance from ranchers and animal welfare activists alike.

Source: KRQE/Youtube

The feral cows have caused significant damage to streams and riverbanks in the area. To tackle the issue, the U.S. Forest Service has given approval for a helicopter to fly over the region with a shooter on board to kill the cows. While the Forest Service hopes that the operation will protect sensitive spots in the region, the decision has been met with criticisms from environmental groups who believe the shooting of cows from a helicopter is cruel and inhumane.

The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association is among those who oppose the move. The group believes that the Forest Service has violated federal regulations by not following the rules that call for a roundup before shooting becomes the last resort. They argue that the Forest Service should not be skirting its own regulations.

The plan has also sparked concerns that this could set a precedent for dealing with feral cows and other stray livestock across the Western United States. Ranchers have reported that with the increasing drought, maintaining fences and controlling the livestock is becoming increasingly difficult, leading to more stray cows in the area.

The environmental groups, on the other hand, applaud the decision. The Center for Biological Diversity contends that the water quality in the region will only worsen if the feral cows are not removed. They estimate that 50 to 150 cows are grazing, unauthorized, in the Gila Wilderness, which spans more than 870 square miles and is home to endangered species like Mexican gray wolves, elk, deer, and other wildlife.

As the plan moves forward, there are regulations in place to ensure that the operation doesn’t cause any more damage to the environment. The operation must not leave any carcasses near waterways, cultural heritage sites, or designated hiking trails. Additionally, the noise from the helicopter should not disrupt the breeding season of endangered species like the Mexican spotted owl and the southwestern willow flycatcher.

While the plan to deal with the feral cows in the Gila Wilderness has its share of detractors and supporters, it highlights the ongoing problem of dealing with stray livestock in the Western United States. As the drought intensifies, more stray cows and other livestock are likely to be seen, and finding a humane and effective way to deal with them will be a challenge.

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of feral cows and stray livestock in your area, consider getting involved with local environmental groups or animal welfare organizations. Supporting these groups can help raise awareness of the issue and encourage authorities to find more humane solutions to protect the environment while also ensuring that the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers are not negatively impacted.

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