Wild Horse Deaths at Mesa Verde Highlight National Park Challenges

The recent deaths of six wild horses at Mesa Verde National Park have brought attention to the ongoing issue of 'trespass livestock' in this southwest Colorado park. These incidents have sparked protests and highlighted the challenges faced by park authorities in managing the situation.

The deaths occurred between late May and early July, with dehydration suspected as the cause for the most recent fatalities. Park officials are working to prevent further incidents by repairing leaky pipes and making water sources inaccessible to horses, including ice-dispensing machines that some horses had learned to use.

This week, a small group of protesters gathered at the park to raise awareness about the horses' plight. The National Park Service considers these horses invasive livestock, but national wild-horse advocacy groups, including the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation), have joined the protest.

"They are essentially killing these horses and killing them in the worst way possible," said Deniz Bolbol with the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Preservation).

Neal Perry, a wildlife biologist at the park, explained that Mesa Verde is following policy to preserve natural resources, which does not include the more than 100 horses roaming the park. "We would never intentionally do anything to lead to the death of a horse," Perry stated. "But we are not going to support horses because they are not part of the natural ecology of the park."

The horse problem has worsened as more animals enter the park from neighboring Ute Mountain Ute tribal lands, where the tribe's demand for horses has declined. Park officials are attempting to keep horses out by installing more fencing along the park's 76-mile boundary.

Last year, park officials announced plans to develop a management strategy for the horses, but this was abandoned due to lack of funding. Perry noted that a management plan will eventually be necessary as the horse population continues to grow, along with the problems they cause.

Besides damaging water lines and ice machines, the horses have collided with vehicles, disrupted a weather station, and compacted ground over archaeological sites. Supporters argue that the horses have become an attraction for park visitors and should be protected accordingly.

Originally Posted By The Denver Post