On Jan. 26, 2026, a group of nine wild horses were found mysteriously dead in Arizona’s Heber Wild Horse Territory, located in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. 

All nine of the horses were discovered by the U.S. Forest Service officials with gunshot wounds, and necropsies performed on the animals confirmed that their cause of death was by a firearm, according to World Animal News. After the necropsies were completed, the carcasses were quickly buried. 

On March 3rd, 2026, four more horses were found dead in eastern Arizona forest in the Black Mesa Ranger District. Officials are now pleading for help to protect the wild horses according to AZFamily. In addition to the nine originally found dead, this makes 13 total horses. Necropsies were also performed on the four new additions, and confirmed that their death was also by a firearm. 

Advocates who want to protect the horses are calling for justice about the recent killings. According to AZFamily, Betty Nixon, a local advocate, had described the killings as “heinous, cowardly crimes.”

These specific wild horse herds are an important part of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, bringing in visitors from all over Arizona. However, according to Nixon, “the horse killings have drawn mixed reactions from locals, some see the animals as a nuisance or they chase off wildlife for local hunters” from AZFamily. 

Local officials are offering the public $5,000 to whoever has information on the suspect associated with these killings. Anyone with information can contact the Navajo County Sheriff Office.