Corolla, North Carolina, September 21, 2025

News Summary

A wild horse was involved in a car crash on Sandpiper Road in Corolla, North Carolina, but fortunately managed to stand back up and return to her group without serious injuries. The driver claimed the horse ran into the road before the incident and was later charged with violating an ordinance against injuring wild horses. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund expressed relief that the mare is okay and reminded drivers to exercise caution around these animals, especially with the increase in visitor traffic to the area.

Corolla, North Carolina

A wild horse was involved in a car crash on Sandpiper Road in Corolla, North Carolina, at approximately 6:30 p.m. on September 11. The incident was reported by the nonprofit organization, Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Witnesses stated that the horse was hit, fell down, but managed to stand back up and return to her group. Fortunately, the mare did not suffer any serious injuries and has been moving and behaving normally since the incident.

The driver involved claimed the horse ran into the road just before the collision. The driver observed the horse get up and leave the scene after the crash. Following the incident, the driver was charged with violating a county ordinance against injuring wild horses and pleaded guilty to the charge. After the plea, the driver paid the fine and court costs and was released back to his family.

Witness descriptions of the horse helped the Corolla Wild Horse Fund locate her for a closer examination. The organization expressed relief that the incident did not lead to serious injury or death, and they reminded drivers in the area to exercise caution and drive slowly, especially in 4×4 off-road zones. This incident marked the fourth horse struck in 2025.

A herd of about 100 wild horses roams the Corolla area and is protected through donations to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Experts state that the wild horses have survived on the barrier islands for hundreds of years and are equipped to handle storms better than humans. Wildlife experts are not concerned about the wild horses during hurricanes due to their natural survival instincts, as the horses tend to group together and use their knowledge of the land to find safe locations during storms.

However, there is a growing concern about the increasing number of visitors to the Outer Banks affecting interactions with the wild horses. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund has reported a tragic incident where a 10-year-old stallion named Francisco was hit by a driver and subsequently died from his injuries. Visitors are reminded to keep a safe distance of at least 50 feet away from the wild horses, as approaching them is against the law in Currituck County.

The Corolla Wild Horse Fund’s staff monitors the horses regularly to ensure their safety amidst increasing tourist traffic. As the population of visitors rises, ensuring the well-being of these wild horses remains a priority for the organization and the local community.

FAQ Section

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Key Features of the Incident

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HERE Resources

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NCDOT Updates Speed Limits on Highway 12 in the Outer Banks
Family Weekend at East Carolina University
Carolina Beach Faces Increasing Flood Risks Due to Supermoon Tides
Hurricane Erin Causes Devastating Flooding in Outer Banks
New Filly Born to Corolla Wild Horse Herd

Additional Resources

• CBS42
• Wikipedia: Wild horse
• News Observer
• Google Search: North Carolina wild horses
• Southern Living
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Wild horses
• Fodor’s
• 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.