PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Federal officials are investigating the shooting death of a wild horse on the Ochoco National Forest.

Forest Service investigators are working with Oregon State Police to probe the death of a 2-year-old black mare that was killed on Forest Road 22 in the vicinity of Walton Lake 7 to 10 days ago, the agency announced on Jan. 25.

The animal was part of the Big Summit wild horse herd and died from two bullet wounds to the abdomen, officials said.

The Ochoco National Forest is asking the public for any information related to the death of this horse.

The incident took place in Crook County, though the herd moves through the Ochoco National Forest between Crook, Wheeler and Grant counties, said Ochoco National Forest spokeswoman Kassidy Kern.

Kern said wild horse shootings are rare and the last one happened eight years ago. She said the Big Summit herd has about 150 horses.

“The Ochoco National Forest really values this herd,” Kern said. “It’s what makes the Ochoco National Forest unique, and so it’s important for us to do what we can to protect this herd.”

Any person who maliciously causes the death or harassment of any wild free-roaming horse or burro could be subject to a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment of up to a year or both under the Wild Horse and Burro Act of 1971.

To report pertinent information, call the Ochoco National Forest at 541-416-6500. To learn more about the Big Summit wild horse herd, visit http://tinyurl.com/4d3by2et.