In Latvia, the welfare of wild horses has become a concern this winter as severe snowfall and cold temperatures have made it more difficult for them to find food. Ints Mednis, a wildlife expert, noted that while the conditions in the Pape Nature Park are not as harsh as in Jelgava, the winter has still posed significant challenges for these animals. He emphasized that the thick blanket of snow this year is the most we've seen in over a decade, making it harder for the horses to forage for food in their natural habitats.

The area inhabited by the wild horse herd at Pape extends over 100 hectares, providing them with various feeding options, including bushes, lakeshores, forests, and pastures. According to Mednis, the wild horses have prepared for this winter by building up fat reserves and shedding their summer coats. The natural behavior of the horses helps them endure seasonal changes; however, additional feeding measures have been implemented this winter to ensure that they have sufficient resources, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing wildlife during extreme weather conditions.

The approach taken towards the Pape wild horse herd reflects a broader commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable management practices. While Latvia's wild horses are adapted to survive in the wild, human intervention in times of severe weather is essential to protect these animals and ensure their survival. As the winter progresses, continued observation and adaptive management strategies will be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by climate challenges and securing the future of wild horses in Latvia.