Wyoming rangers stop blowing up dead horses due to wildfire risk
Wyoming rangers stop blowing up dead horses due to wildfire risk
Shoshone national forest officials pause gruesome policy of exploding carcasses to minimize hazard during dry spell
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Oh, I'm sorry, I thought this was America!
59Well if you can’t use explosives, I suggest you soak the carcass with gasoline and light it up using a minigun. That should be American enough.
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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 They've mostly been replaced by motor vehicles for transportation or farm work, so horsehide is in scarce supply.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.
35Page won't load right. Possible first Lemmy hug of death?
5Both links load okay for me here (albeit two hours after you commented, when I saw your comment).
5All four of us!
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They're just gonna beat them now, instead.
12What made them start in the first place? Sounds like a deranged thing to do.
10Makes 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.
26They do it in areas where predators would be drawn into human contact. So like hiking areas.
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Unfortunate that no wildlife will eat dead horses in Wyoming.
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