News Summary
A wild horse in Carova, N.C. has survived after being struck by a pickup truck on July 4. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund located the stallion, which sustained a swollen shoulder but has shown signs of recovery. The organization emphasizes the dangers of vehicle collisions with wild horses and urges drivers to exercise caution in the area, where such incidents have historically led to fatalities.
Carova, N.C. – A wild horse struck by a pickup truck on July 4, 2025, has survived after an extensive search effort by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Ocean Pearl Road, when witnesses reported that the high-speed vehicle collided with the animal, causing it to fall to the ground before it managed to get back up and run off into the surrounding brush.
The driver of the pickup truck did not stop following the collision, prompting concerned witnesses to contact law enforcement. Upon receiving the call, deputies responded to the scene but were unable to locate the horse that evening. Witness descriptions of the horses in the vicinity aided the Corolla Wild Horse Fund in narrowing down which horse may have been involved in the accident.
By noon on July 5, the Wild Horse Fund had identified 13 stallions believed to be in the area, yet none exhibited any visible injuries. Continuing their investigation, staff at the organization received a report around 1:30 p.m. about a stallion spotted in a resident’s yard. Upon inspection, this stallion was found to have a swollen shoulder and was moving with stiffness, although it was not limping or showing any open wounds.
Photos of the horse were sent to a veterinarian for assessment. By the following Monday, the organization was able to locate the last horse on their list, confirming that it was in good condition. Based on the observations, the Wild Horse Fund believes that the stallion with the swollen shoulder was indeed the horse struck by the truck.
Over the subsequent days, the organization monitored the horse and noted improvements in its condition, observing a reduction in swelling and a return to normal behavior. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund highlighted the incident’s severity, noting that in the past decade, eight horses have been hit by vehicles, and this particular stallion is only the second to survive such an encounter.
The organization cautioned that collisions involving wild horses often lead to fatal outcomes, urging drivers to exercise caution and slow down while driving in the area. It was noted that factors such as speed and alcohol consumption are commonly involved in these incidents.
According to local regulations, it is against Currituck County ordinance to injure a wild horse and fail to report it. Comparisons were made to another incident where a driver reported a collision with a horse on the beach, demonstrating the importance of accountability in such situations.
The Wild Horse Fund has called on the community to report any instances of witnessing or being involved in similar incidents. Individuals are encouraged to contact law enforcement or the Fund directly at 252-453-3633, particularly regarding the specifics of the July 4 incident, to facilitate necessary follow-up actions and awareness.
This incident reinforces the vital need for motorists to be vigilant when traveling through areas where wild horses roam, as these animals are susceptible to the dangers posed by vehicle traffic.
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Additional Resources
- CBS17
- Google Search: outer banks wild horses
- People
- Encyclopedia Britannica: wild horses
- WAVY
- Google News: wild horses north carolina
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