TheU.S. total rig count gained seven to reach 447 during the week ended July 15, itshighest level since early April, according to from The figure was down410 from the corresponding week a year earlier and 1,584 rigs below the Sept.12, 2008, record high of 2,031.

Naturalgas rigs climbed one to a total of 89 but were down 129 from the same week a yearago, putting them 1,517 rigs below the peak of 1,606 made in the week endedSeptember 12, 2008. Thenumber of rigs targeting crude oil climbed six to 357 but was down 281 from thesame week a year earlier, putting them 1,252 rigs below the peak of 1,609 setin the week ended Oct. 10, 2014.

TheNorth American rig count increased 21 to reach 542 but was down 507 from lastyear. Canadian rigs increased 14 and reached 95, which was 97 rigs below thesame week a year ago.

U.S.land rigs increased five in the week ended July 15 to 422 but were down 402from the same week last year. Inland water rigs fell one to three but were onerig above a year ago. Offshore rigs climbed three to reach 22 but were downnine from last year.

Bytrajectory, vertical rigs declined one from last week and dropped 63 from lastyear to reach 60. Directional rigs increased seven to 43 but were down 41 froma year ago. Horizontal rigs gained one on the week but were down 306 from lastyear to reach 344.