Mesa Verde's Struggle with Wild Horses: A Conservation Challenge

Mesa Verde National Park is currently grappling with the presence of feral horses and cattle, which have been causing significant disturbances within the park. These animals have trampled on archaeological sites, posed threats to park employees, and intimidated visitors. The park is now considering various management strategies to address this issue.

Challenges Faced by Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park, located in southwest Colorado, is home to 100 to 150 horses and 10 to 20 cattle, according to Betty Lieurance, a National Parks Service spokeswoman. These animals have been damaging archaeological sites and behaving aggressively towards both workers and tourists, as noted by Paul Morey, the park's wildlife program manager.

"We've had employees and some visitors that have been chased by horses," Morey said.

Last year, an incident occurred where a park employee collided with a horse while driving, resulting in a totaled vehicle. Park officials have documented around 20 sites that have suffered damage due to the horses.

Management Plans and Public Involvement

Mesa Verde is in the process of developing a management plan to address the feral horse issue. A public comment period has been initiated, which will conclude on February 28. The park is exploring various options, including birth control and roundups, to manage the horse population humanely.

Feral horses are a common issue throughout the West, but their presence in sensitive areas like Mesa Verde is rare. The park is renowned for its ancient cliff dwellings, which were constructed by ancestors of several Four Corners tribes.

Community and Tribal Involvement

The horses are believed to originate from tribal lands to the east, specifically from the Ute Mountain Ute tribe. However, the tribe is not responsible for the horses within Mesa Verde, as stated by Jerald Peabody, the tribe's natural resources director.

"The reality of it is, who could claim ownership of feral horses?" Peabody said.

Past efforts to round up the horses using local cowboys, ATVs, and motorcycles have proven to be ineffective and costly. A three-year program managed to capture only 278 animals.

Alternative Solutions and Advocacy

Some advocates, like Suzanne Roy from the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), suggest using birth control as a more humane alternative to roundups. However, Morey notes that administering birth control can be challenging and requires annual application.

Debbie Coburn of Four Corners Equine Rescue supports a more proactive management approach, suggesting that baiting and trapping the horses in a fenced enclosure could be the best solution.

Overall, the park aims to find the most humane and effective method to manage the feral horse population, taking into account public feedback and the welfare of the animals.

For more information, visit the Originally Posted By The Daily Times.