The Bureau of Land Management was set to begin an “emergency” helicopter roundup of 450 wild horses today on the West Douglas Herd Area, 20 miles south of Rangely, Colo. The roundup is expected to last between 19-25 days.

The agency said that the roundup was necessary because of limited forage and water, and because the nearby Oil Springs Fire has burned summer habitat and limited access to water sources. The fire burned 12,613 acres starting June 18.

“This emergency gather will prevent further deteriorating body condition of the wild horses in the area due to limited food and water,” said White River Field Office Manager Bill Mills in a press release. “The removal of excess wild horses over the next few weeks will protect the rangelands and reduce impacts to sensitive animal species and adjoining private properties.”

The West Douglas Herd Area has not been managed for wild horses since 1975, according to BLM.

Members of the public interested in viewing the roundup should call (970) 673-7768 for the next day’s meeting times and locations.