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Locals demand action after wild horses killed by suspected speeders on Mount Charleston

Posted at 10:41 PM, May 30, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-31 09:37:45-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Some people living on Mount Charleston are devastated by a series of wild horse killings by suspected speeders and fear it's only a matter of time before a person is killed.

The remote community is usually a peaceful place that is teeming with sights, sounds, and beauty, which defies words.

And nestled among the trees and the snow-capped mountain tops, some locals say there was a budding love story.

"The mom horse got pregnant again and had another baby, and it was just blossoming," said Rhea Windhorst.

Some on the mountain became enchanted by a family of wild horses which became local celebrities of sorts.

The mom, dad, and two offspring were favorites, and something many looked forward to seeing.

"I have pictures of them; everybody has them," said Paula Wild.

"They are kind of a class act up here," added Wild.

Last month, tragedy struck when the mother horse was killed by a suspect speeder, according to some locals.

Windhorst set up a roadside memorial for the horse near the Fletcher campground.

"My motivation for the memorial was to try and raise a little awareness about the horses being up here," explained Windhorst.

Then just days ago, one of the young horses was killed in another suspect crash involving a speeder.

"It's inevitable that someone is going to get killed," said Sara D'Arce.

The horses and speeders were all the talk at an Mt. Charleston Town Board meeting Thursday evening.

"We are in favor as well of appropriate signage, which means working with [The Nevada Department of Transportation,] said a U.S. Forestry manager at the meeting.

Some locals say they would like to see flashing speed limit signs, rumble strips, and other signage to slow speeders down, adding it's just not wild horses that have been killed.

Deer, burros and other animals have also been killed by cars.

Las Vegas police say they will now have a zero tolerance policy for residents and locals when it comes to speeding.

Police say if drivers become involved in a crash with an animal, object, other property, vehicles, need to make a report.

It is unclear if reports were filled in the recent horse killings.

Police say they will also have unannounced enforcement events to keep speeds down.

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