Nevada Department of Agriculture urges extreme caution around feral horses in Virginia Range Area


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Rebecca Allured
Public Information Officer
775-842-3530

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  • Broken windshield and damage to car when colliding with a horse

  • Front end damage to car after collision with horses
- September 07, 2016

(SPARKS, Nev.) – After a collision on Toll Road in south Reno, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) officials urge motorists to use extreme caution when driving in the Virginia Range area. The collision took place late on Tuesday night and involved two vehicles and three feral horses. The motorists sustained no injuries, but the accident resulted in two dead horses.

Horses in this area cross roadways in search of feed and water sources especially during the fall months when forage becomes scarce. Drivers should remain alert and aware, and be sure to obey all traffic laws, including posted speed limits in this area. The range includes the areas of Fernley, Dayton, Lockwood, south Reno, Hidden Valley, Silver Springs, Virginia City and east of Carson City. Extra caution should be taken at dusk and during the night.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to use extreme caution and assume there are animals on the road,” Flint Wright, administrator for the NDA Animal Industry Division, said. “We are doing everything we can to keep these animals off the road for public safety and the safety of the horses.”

To report horses near an unfenced road or on a roadway in the Virginia Range area (US395 to 95A and I-80 to Highway 50), please call the horse hotline at (775) 353-3608 or email horse@agri.nv.gov.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.