HOUSTON (AP) - The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States dropped by 62 this week to 1,790.

Of the rigs running nationwide, 1,379 were exploring for natural gas and 401 for oil, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. A total of 10 were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, the rig count stood at 1,824.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas lost 24 rigs, Colorado lost 10, Louisiana lost 16, Arkansas lost two and Oklahoma lost seven. Wyoming lost one rig and New Mexico lost three. Alaska gained one, California lost two and North Dakota lost three.

Baker Hughes has tracked rig counts since 1944. The tally peaked at 4,530 in 1981, during the height of the oil boom.