Nearly 200 wild horses have been found dead in a dry stock pond in Gray Mountain, Arizona.
According to reports, the incredible heat that plagues the area effectively made a death trap for 191 ‘feral’ horses.
“These animals were searching for water to stay alive. In the process, they
, unfortunately burrowed themselves into the mud and couldn’t escape because they were so weak,” explains Vice President Jonathan Nez of the Navajo community.
Large parts of Arizona have endured an extensive drought following a winter with little rain or snow.
State officials say that’s the main reason 191 horses died near the stock pond in Gray Mountain.
It’s been decided that the horses will be buried on-site, with authorities set to spread hydrated lime over the bodies to accelerate decomposition and minimise the potential spread of disease or infection. The stock pond is to be permanently closed off, with a new watering hole expected to be created nearby.
This isn’t the first time horses have been found dead near that particular stock pond.
It’s become a seasonal issue, with an increasing number of feral horses to be found in and around the area in recent years.
Growing problem
The Navajo Nation – covering parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah – is said to be home to an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 wild horses that roam freely.
Unfortunately, the habitat doesn’t have the resources to support such numbers, and the changing climate is a big problem.
In recent years, there’s been a rise in temperatures, particularly between the months of May and September. Recent summers have been the hottest in the area since records began back in 1910.
Take last year, for example, where the average temperature in Arizona was 77.3 degrees – so hot it caused mail boxes to begin melting and aircrafts to be grounded.
According to the Arizona Health Agency, the extreme heat claims around 100 human lives each year.
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