News Summary
A wild horse was injured in a hit-and-run on Ocean Pearl Road in Carova, NC, causing public outrage and highlighting safety concerns for wild horses in the Outer Banks. Witnesses reported a speeding truck that struck the horse at night, leading to a search by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. The injured stallion displayed signs of trauma but is recovering well. This incident adds to a worrying trend, as several wild horses have died in similar accidents recently, urging local authorities to raise awareness for their protection.
Carova, North Carolina – A wild horse became the victim of a hit-and-run incident on North Carolina’s Outer Banks on the evening of July 4. The accident, which took place around 9 p.m. on Ocean Pearl Road, has ignited local outrage and raised concerns about the safety of the vulnerable wild horse population in the area.
Witnesses reported seeing a pickup truck speeding down the road when it struck the horse, causing the animal to collapse but subsequently manage to escape into nearby brush. The driver of the truck did not stop at the scene of the accident.
Following the incident, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund conducted an extensive search, utilizing descriptions provided by witnesses. Approximately four hours after the collision, the horse was located in the yard of a local resident who had reported the crash. When found, the stallion was exhibiting signs of blunt force trauma and was moving stiffly with significant swelling in its shoulder. Although the horse did not have any open wounds or visible limping, it was determined that it had sustained injuries and was considered “extremely lucky” to have survived.
Fortunately, the horse has shown signs of improvement since the incident, and initial assessments indicate that there are no indications of internal injuries. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund, which is tasked with caring for a herd of over 100 wild horses in this region, is monitoring the stallion’s condition closely.
This incident is particularly concerning as it highlights a troubling trend regarding the safety of wild horses in the Outer Banks. Over the past decade, eight horses have lost their lives due to vehicle collisions, reflecting the ongoing dangers these animals face. Just weeks before the hit-and-run incident, another wild horse, a 5-year-old stallion named Alexander, was killed in a separate vehicle-related accident on June 14. In that case, a 26-year-old woman from Chesterfield, Virginia, was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) after her Chevrolet Tahoe collided with the horse, resulting in its immediate death. Court records revealed that her breathalyzer test indicated a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.11, exceeding North Carolina’s legal limit of 0.08.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund has expressed concern that such incidents not only result in tragic losses but also hinder efforts to protect and preserve the remaining wild horse population. Alexander was particularly special as he was the last surviving offspring of his mother. The tragic loss of such horses is a detrimental blow to this critically endangered population.
Local authorities and wildlife advocates are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution while navigating the area, especially during night hours when visibility is diminished. Measures to increase awareness of the wild horse presence and ongoing educational campaigns are essential to mitigate future collisions and protect these iconic creatures of the Outer Banks.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund continues to advocate for the safety of these wild horses while also providing care and monitoring for those affected by recent incidents. As the community grapples with the aftermath of these accidents, the call for responsible driving and heightened awareness remains critical.
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Fatal Head-On Collision Claims One Life in North Carolina
Tragic Death of Young Corolla Wild Horse Highlights Conservation Needs
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Tragic Death of Wild Horse Alexander in Corolla
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Ocracoke Island Community Gears Up for Health and Cultural Events
Additional Resources
- News Observer
- Wikipedia: Wild horse
- MyFox8
- Google Search: Wild Horse Outer Banks
- The State
- Google Scholar: Wild Horses Outer Banks
- WBTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wild Horse
- Wavy
- Google News: Corolla Wild Horse Fund
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
