• @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    English
    17
    edit-2
    13 hours ago

    In less extreme times, the US Forest Service routinely blows up carcasses of fallen horses – after removing horseshoes to minimize the hazard from flying metal debris – to prevent gatherings of ravenous grizzly bears that frequent Wyoming’s open spaces.

    It probably doesn’t make economic sense if the carcasses are in hard-to-access locations, but it is a little unfortunate that the hides can’t be used.

    Back in World War II, bomber jackets were made out of horsehide leather, because it was very tough and durable, and because there were lots of horses in use, so there was a ready supply.

    But today, there are far fewer horses around. They’ve mostly been replaced by motor vehicles for transportation or farm work, so horsehide is in scarce supply. As a result, if you want an actual horsehide bomber jacket, it’s pricey. It’s more common today to use cowhide for leather stuff.

    • @Death_Equity
      link
      English
      14 hours ago

      Page won’t load right. Possible first Lemmy hug of death?

      • @[email protected]
        link
        fedilink
        English
        1
        edit-2
        2 hours ago

        Both links load okay for me here (albeit two hours after you commented, when I saw your comment).

  • Gikiski
    link
    fedilink
    512 hours ago

    Unfortunate that no wildlife will eat dead horses in Wyoming.

    • @DontTreadOnBigfoot
      link
      English
      99 hours ago

      They probably don’t want to contribute to conditioning predators to think of horses as a food source.

    • @Maggoty
      link
      English
      227 minutes ago

      They do it in areas where predators would be drawn into human contact. So like hiking areas.

    • @Death_Equity
      link
      English
      23
      edit-2
      14 hours ago

      Makes them break down easier/faster and less logistically challenging and costly than taking them somewhere to be composted. Also stops grizzly and whatnot from gathering at the horse.