Anyone who knows animals, knows it would be a safer gather when the mares and foals to gather in the fall, when the foals are stronger/older? This helicopter "chase down" was done by the Fish and Wildlife Service.  Perhaps it is okay to move FISH in the Springtime, but not pregnant mares!

Only days-old he could not find his mother. Severely dehydrated after two weeks as an orphan in the holding pens. After more than two weeks in FWS’ holding pens, he was handed over to an adopting agent who had to take him straight to the vet for emergency care due to severe dehydration. In a vet report by Dr. Krebs, who treated the three survivors, confirms that these foals were left for days alone on the range. Dead foals were found within hiking distance from the Refuge area.

This foal was trampled in the chaos of the capture pens, he was badly injured and clearly not able to walk. The wranglers felt the need to hog-tie him and leave him there in the hot sun. Good Samaritans recued him, gave him TLC for a week.

It is unknown how many others, too young to survive on their own, died on the range. Mares could be seen in the holding pens showing signs of recently giving birth but with their newborns unaccounted for. Aborted fetuses? Under the stress of the chaos.  Several foals were injured and others became orphans separated from their mothers!