One colt survived and is being cared for by Flagstaff veterinarians.
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GRAY MOUNTAIN, Ariz. – After a widespread drought and famine hit the area, nearly 200 wild mustangs died at a stock pond here last month.
Around 191 mustangs died around a small, dried-up pond amid cracked desert ground. Some were buried neck-deep and some were buried beneath others, according to the Navajo Rangers. And some had their ribs and hips protruding.
Others were skinless, and one mare appeared to have grappled with trying to give birth. Both the mare and the foal did not survive.
The foal was stuck in the pelvic canal, said one ranger, who did not want to be named.
This tragic incident exemplifies the problem the Navajo Nation faces in an overpopulation of feral horses, said Navajo President Russell Begaye, who along with Navajo Vice President Jonathan Nez traveled to Tuba City on May 2 to address the situation.
“There is a process for round-ups and it begins with the local chapter,” Begaye said in a statement. “What they need is a resolution requesting a round-up which prompts the assistance of the (Navajo Nation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs), but they have to ask for it.”
A regular chapter meeting will take place on Wednesday in Cameron. Two resolutions regarding the wild horses will be discussed, said Cameron Chapter President Milton Tso.