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Bear kills pet horse in Rafter J

One of several recent similar attacks this season

A bear killed and partially devoured a miniature horse in the Rafter J subdivision southwest of Durango, bringing a warning from wildlife authorities about keeping pets safe.

It was the fourth such attack on livestock by predators in the Rafter J area in recent months, said Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Joe Lewandowski.

Two sheep and a goat were lost in the earlier attacks, Lewandowski said. Investigators can’t be sure, but a bear is suspected in those incidents, he said.

The bear Saturday entered an enclosed pasture on Ridge Road to attack the 14-year-old miniature horse, which measured 32 inches high and weighed less than 200 pounds, Lewandowski said.

“A bear or a mountain lion won’t attack a full-sized horse,” Lewandowski said. “But this horse was small.”

The incident occurred about 6:30 a.m.

Wildlife officers set a trap baited with road kill, but the bear didn’t return, Lewandowski said. The trap was removed a couple of days later so as to not attract other carnivores.

Lewandowski said the owner, who didn’t want to be identified publicly, removed a second miniature equine from the pasture.

“This is the time of year when bears begin feeding around the clock in preparation for hibernation,” Lewandowski said. “Natural food – berries and forbs – have been plentiful and acorns are coming on. But bears are opportunistic, so they wouldn’t pass up a small animal like the miniature horse.”

The next two months are critical for bears, who need about 20,000 calories a day to prepare for their winter snooze, Lewandowski said.

Lewandowski said mountain residents who keep llamas, alpacas, goats and other pets outside would do well to secure them in a structure with a roof.

“This is prime bear and mountain lion habitat,” Lewandowski said.

He urged all residents to keep their garbage cans enclosed until pickup day and remove bird feeders and barbecue grills, which also attract bears.

“This is the time of year to be aware wherever you live,” Lewandowski said.

daler@durangoherald.com



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