Corolla, North Carolina, September 20, 2025
News Summary
A feral mare on the Outer Banks was involved in a car crash on Sandpiper Road. Fortunately, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund confirmed no serious injuries. The driver was charged with violating an ordinance against injuring wild horses. The mare returned to her herd safely, emphasizing the need for drivers to exercise caution in areas populated by wildlife.
Corolla
A feral mare on the Outer Banks of North Carolina was involved in a car crash on September 11, 2025. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Sandpiper Road in Corolla. Witnesses reported that the horse was hit by a vehicle, fell down, but was able to stand up and walk away to rejoin her herd.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund confirmed that the mare did not sustain any serious injuries and has been behaving normally since the crash. The driver of the vehicle stated that the horse ran into the road at the time of the collision. Subsequently, the driver was charged with violating a county ordinance against injuring wild horses and pleaded guilty. Following the incident, the driver paid a fine and court costs and was released to his family.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund tracked down the horse for closer examination based on witness descriptions. The organization expressed relief that no serious injury or death occurred and emphasized the need for drivers to practice caution while driving in areas populated by wild horses. The mare involved was reported as the fourth horse to be struck by a vehicle in 2025.
Protective Measures for Wild Horses
Approximately 100 wild horses roam the Corolla area, all of which are protected and supported through donations to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. It is crucial for the safety of these animals that drivers remain vigilant while traveling in their habitats.
Recent Incidents
Separately, on June 14, 2025, a tragic incident occurred when a 5-year-old stallion named Alexander was killed after being struck by a vehicle driven by 26-year-old Shannon Seamster on the beach near Mile Post 19 in Nags Head. Seamster was charged with driving while impaired (DWI) and given a $2,500 secured bond after the incident. Alexander was described as a very special horse, as he was the last offspring of his mother and his genetics were considered irreplaceable. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund called Alexander’s death a tremendous loss for the herd, noting that he survived extraordinary challenges during his early life, growing into a beautiful stallion with a bright future.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund reminds the public to drive cautiously when in the 4×4 areas, especially at night, to prevent such tragic accidents in the future. Ensuring the safety of both drivers and wild horses is a shared responsibility that requires awareness and caution while on the roads.
Key Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | September 11, 2025 |
| Location | Sandpiper Road, Corolla, North Carolina |
| Number of Wild Horses | Approximately 100 |
| Charges Filed Against Driver | Violating county ordinance on injuring wild horses |
| Past Incident | Death of stallion Alexander on June 14, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the feral mare on September 11, 2025?
A feral mare on the Outer Banks of North Carolina was involved in a car crash on September 11, 2025. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Sandpiper Road in Corolla.
Did the mare sustain any injuries?
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund confirmed that the mare did not sustain any serious injuries and has been behaving normally since the crash.
What action was taken against the driver involved in the incident?
The driver of the vehicle was charged with violating a county ordinance against injuring wild horses and pleaded guilty. The driver paid a fine and court costs and was released to his family.
How many wild horses are there in Corolla?
Approximately 100 wild horses roam the Corolla area, all of which are protected and supported through donations to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.
What precautions should drivers take in wild horse areas?
Drivers are advised to practice caution while driving in wild horse areas to prevent accidents.
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What happened to the feral mare on September 11, 2025?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “A feral mare on the Outer Banks of North Carolina was involved in a car crash on September 11, 2025. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Sandpiper Road in Corolla.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Did the mare sustain any injuries?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The Corolla Wild Horse Fund confirmed that the mare did not sustain any serious injuries and has been behaving normally since the crash.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What action was taken against the driver involved in the incident?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “The driver of the vehicle was charged with violating a county ordinance against injuring wild horses and pleaded guilty. The driver paid a fine and court costs and was released to his family.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How many wild horses are there in Corolla?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Approximately 100 wild horses roam the Corolla area, all of which are protected and supported through donations to the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What precautions should drivers take in wild horse areas?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Drivers are advised to practice caution while driving in wild horse areas to prevent accidents.”
}
}
]
}
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Explore the Beauty and Adventure of Outer Banks, North Carolina
NCDOT Updates Speed Limits on Highway 12 in the Outer Banks
New Filly Born to Corolla Wild Horse Herd
Corolla, North Carolina: A Leader in Sustainable Tourism
Discover the Tranquility of Northern Outer Banks in Autumn
Duck, North Carolina: A Hidden Gem on the Outer Banks
Experience Autumn Bliss in the Northern Outer Banks
Tragic Accident Involving Wild Stallion Francisco in Corolla
Wild Horse Francisco Killed in Corolla, NC
Tragic Death of Wild Stallion Francisco in Corolla
Additional Resources
- News Observer
- Wikipedia: Corolla (North Carolina)
- WAVY News
- Google Search: Corolla wild horses
- WITN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse
- Fox 10 News
- Google News: Corolla wild horse accidents
- WFMY News 2
- People

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.


