ALBANY, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management will hold its first-ever wild horse auction in Albany Friday and Saturday at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center.

Between 30 and 35 wild mustangs from BLM land in Eastern Oregon will be available.

Federal protection and a lack of predators have created thriving herds, so the BLM from time to time makes animals available to the public.

Patti Wilson of the BLM's Burns Wild Horse Corrals said it is becoming harder to find homes for the horses because of rising hay and fuel prices.

Any horses not sold at the auction can be bought for a $125 adoption fee.

Buyers must meet certain land area minimums.