More than 100 feral cattle have been ordered by the U.S. Forest Service to be hunted down by gunmen in helicopters.

The wild cattle have made their way into Gila National Forest in Southwest New Mexico, according to a report.

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There, they "are not domesticated animals and pose a significant threat to public safety and natural resources," officials said.

Hunters in helicopters will gun down the feral cattle starting Feb. 23, and locals have been instructed to stay clear of the area, the report noted.

"This has been a difficult decision, but the lethal removal of feral cattle from the Gila Wilderness is necessary to protect public safety, threatened and endangered species habitats, water quality, and the natural character of the Gila Wilderness," forest supervisor Camille Howes said.

"The feral cattle in the Gila Wilderness have been aggressive towards wilderness visitors, graze year-round, and trample stream banks and springs, causing erosion and sedimentation," according to Howes. "This action will help restore the wilderness character of the Gila Wilderness enjoyed by visitors from across the country."

Environmental groups have been pressuring the Forest Service and other officials to address the roughly 150 cattle they claim are doing significant damage to the area's rivers and streams, according to the report.

However, others maintain that shooting the animals dead from helicopters stands in violation of federal regulations and is tantamount to animal cruelty.

After they are shot, the cattle will be left where they fall to decompose naturally, the report noted.

"It was offensive to learn of the Service's decision after over a year's worth of discussions to prevent further killing," New Mexico Cattle Growers Association President Loren Patterson said in a statement. "Today's meeting proved the Service is willing to bypass all stakeholder input and effectively turn their backs on sound reasoning. Out of the six groups represented (in the meeting), the Forest Service is the only one in favor of aerial operations."

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Officials with the Forest Service said the agency will take care to carry out the process in a proper manner.

"Forest Service staff will ensure no carcasses are adjacent to or in any waterbody or spring, designated hiking trail, or known culturally sensitive area," a statement from the Forest Service read. "A wilderness minimum requirements decision guide has been completed and approved before using any methods otherwise prohibited under the Wilderness Act."