A Central Alberta feral horse whose death was initially called suspicious has been found to have died of natural causes.
The animal’s remains were found on a rural road near Sundre, just north of Hwy 584 in Clearwater County, on Feb. 28.
Sundre RCMP said their preliminary investigation suggested the horse may have been shot.
After a necropsy, assisted by the forensic unit of the Alberta Fish and Wildlife enforcement branch, it was determined the cause of death was not related to a gunshot.
Police say the investigation is now over.
Feral horses are considered livestock and are protected under Section 444 of the Criminal Code.
The Alberta government distributed permits last month to round up as many as 200 feral horses and thin out the population, causing public outcry.
The wild horse capture season ended on Feb. 29.