In June and July 2025, BLM water monitoring in the western Maverick-Medicine and Triple B HMAs revealed critical shortages at key springs, with only Cherry and Cone Springs providing limited flow insufficient to sustain wild horses. Many horses showed poor body condition scores, with some at high risk of death due to worsening water scarcity. Additionally, horses were observed digging for shallow groundwater near Minnow Spring, indicating severe water stress.

In the Wood Hills area near Wells, NV, the primary water source at Warm Springs has degraded into a mud, trapping horses and necessitating rescues. This drought-driven problem recurs annually, exacerbated by population growth and lack of alternative water, pushing horses outside the Spruce-Pequop HMA and causing habitat damage. Emergency gathers have been used previously, and further removals are needed to reduce excess horses, prevent habitat degradation, and aid range recovery.