The future of approximately 200 wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in western North Dakota, hangs in the balance as the National Park Service prepares to make a decision on their removal next year. The ongoing public comment period on the park's recent environmental assessment ends this Friday, leaving advocates worried that a predetermined outcome could result in the elimination of the beloved horses.

Various proposals have been put forth in the assessment, including reducing the horse population quickly, reducing it gradually, or taking no immediate action. The horses have garnered support from powerful allies such as North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and U.S. Senator John Hoeven, while advocates are doing everything in their power to ensure the animals remain in the park.

The horses have become a popular attraction for park visitors, who often spot and photograph them as they roam freely along the park's scenic road and hiking trails in the rugged Badlands. However, park officials are evaluating whether these horses truly belong in the park, as they are considered non-native species and may pose a potential risk to the park's resources.

Jenny Powers, a wildlife veterinarian who leads the wildlife health program for the National Park Service, stated that the evaluation process aligns with the park service's mission and mandates to remove non-native species when necessary. While acknowledging that it is not an easy decision, she emphasized the need to adhere to overarching policies.

However, Chris Kman, President of Chasing Horses Wild Horse Advocates, one of the horses' greatest advocates, fears that the park officials have already made up their minds to oust the horses. Kman points out that the recent environmental assessment dismissed several alternatives for keeping the horses, which she believes could have been feasible options.

Kman expressed optimism that they will ultimately win the fight to keep the horses in the park. Despite this, Park Superintendent Angie Richman stated that if the horses do remain, their numbers would have to be reduced to between 35 and 60 animals, based on a 1978 environmental assessment.

The wild horses were initially fenced into the park by accident and were eventually kept as a historic demonstration herd after years of efforts to eradicate them. Wild horse advocates are calling for a more extensive environmental review and hope to maintain a genetically viable herd of at least 150 horses.

The overwhelming majority of previous public comments have opposed the removal of the horses, making it difficult for advocates to understand why the government would choose to take them away from the American people. Grace Kuhn, communications director for the American Wild Horse Campaign, argues that the horses have a right to be in the national park and align with Theodore Roosevelt's sentiment of preserving cultural resources for future generations.

Governor Burgum has offered state collaboration to keep the horses in the park, and discussions have taken place between his office and park officials regarding potential options. State management or assistance in managing the horses within the park are on the table, while relocation is not considered a viable option.

Park Superintendent Richman expressed a willingness to work with the governor and the state to find a favorable outcome, but stated that it would be premature to share specific details of these discussions at this time. Senator Hoeven has also been involved in negotiations with park officials and has included legislation in the U.S. Interior Department's appropriations bill to preserve the horses. If necessary, he is prepared to pursue further legislation to achieve his objective of keeping horses in the park.

The ultimate decision made by the National Park Service will also impact nine longhorn cattle in the park's North Unit, as all of the horses are currently in the park's South Unit.