Dominance of a Natural Water Source by Feral Horses

Feral horses dominate access to natural water sources over native elk during the driest months of the year, significantly limiting the latter's ability to acquire water. This dominance was documented through a motion-triggered camera study at Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, which recorded interactions between elk and feral horses at an isolated water source from April to September 2012. The camera captured 51 instances of interspecific interactions, with elk being denied access to water in 82% of these cases, particularly during May and June when water scarcity is highest. This study highlights the competitive dynamics between invasive species (feral horses) and native wildlife, shedding light on potential ecological impacts in protected areas.

Perry, N. D., Morey, P., & Miguel, G. S. (2015). Dominance of a Natural Water Source by Feral Horses. The Southwestern Naturalist, 60(4), 390–393. https://doi.org/10.1894/0038-4909-60.4.390