TOPPENISH, Wash. (AP) – Yakama Nation police are investigating the deaths of at least 11 horses near the southern boundary of the tribe’s reservation over the last few months.

Tribal Council Chairman Harry Smiskin tells the Yakima Herald-Republic that few details are available, including whether the deaths are related. Motorists have reported seeing the carcasses from Highway 97 in the Satus Pass area, where thousands of wild horses roam in herds.

Speculation has focused on whether the horses were killed as bait by eagle hunters. The birds have been seen picking at the carcasses, and although eagle hunting is illegal, selling the feathers can be lucrative.

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Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic,
http://www.yakima-herald.com