Navajo Nation: Nearly 200 Horses Die From Drought And Famine

GRAY MOUNTAIN, AZ – Nearly 200 dead horses were found in a stock that had dried up in Gray Mountain, according to the Navajo Nation. The Navajo say that horses died from "drought and famine."

Feral horses are a huge problem for the tribe with an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 running through Navajo Nation.

It's not the first time that horses have died at the water hole. They say that it is not new but "seasonal."

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez travelled to the scene. (Get Phoenix Patch's daily newsletter and real-time news alerts. Or, find your local Patch here and subscribe).

"These horses weren’t shot or maliciously killed by an individual," Vice President Nez said. "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."

Begaye said. the incident "exemplifies the problem the Navajo Nation faces in an overpopulation of feral horses."

Navajo officials and members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs are working together to cleanup the area.

Hydrated lime will be spread over the bodies to accelerate decomposition and then the horses will be buried there. The Navajo Nation EPA and their Water Management Branch determined the burial will not pose a threat to groundwater.

The area has been fenced off and will be covered permanently.

Like us on Facebook. Also, download the free Patch iPhone appor free Patch Android app.

Photo of President Begaye and Vice President Nez surveying the site via Navajo Nation.