June 15, 2025

Caution Urged as Foal Season Begins for Wild Horses in NC

News Summary

As foal season starts along the North Carolina coast, officials are reminding beachgoers to maintain a safe distance from wild horses, particularly at Shackleford Banks. New foals have been spotted, and caution is critical for their safety. Unfortunately, the community has recently experienced the loss of wild horses due to tragic incidents. Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible wildlife observation to protect both the horses and visitors.

Morehead City, North Carolina – As the foal season unfolds along the North Carolina coast, officials are urging beach visitors to exercise caution and respect for the wild horse populations, particularly at Shackleford Banks. The Cape Lookout National Seashore has recently shared photographs of newly born wild horses, highlighting the delicate nature of their environment.

With foals now making their appearance, it is crucial for visitors to maintain a safe distance from the wildlife. Officials recommend keeping at least 50 feet away from the wild horses. This distance is essential not only for the safety of humans but also for the well-being of the horses. The Rachel Carson Reserve has specifically warned visitors to steer clear of the wild horses after a foal was reported to have separated from its mother on two separate occasions last month.

Shackleford Banks is a popular location for observing these wild horses, well-known for their unique characteristics and natural habitat. The reserve, located between the Newport and North rivers, across from Taylor’s Creek in Beaufort, Carteret County, is one of several prime sites for viewing the horses, alongside Corolla and Ocracoke Island.

Sadly, the community has recently mourned the loss of a wild horse named Alex, a 5-year-old stallion who was killed in a tragic incident involving an impaired driver on Corolla beach. The driver, Shannon Seamster, has been arrested for driving while intoxicated. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund confirms that Alex was the youngest horse from his mother’s last offspring and that his passing is devastating due to the critically endangered status of this wild horse population.

In addition to Alex’s death, reports have emerged of another young horse named Donner, aged 2, who was killed during a fight with a larger stallion. Donner was found with significant injuries indicative of combat, a harsh reminder of the realities of wild horse life. Experts familiar with wild horse dynamics explain that stallions typically exhibit aggressive behaviors in disputes over territory and mates, marking a natural aspect of their social structure.

As part of their ongoing efforts to protect these horses, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund emphasizes that losses within the herd, while distressing, are part of a natural cycle. They are committed to preserving the health of the remaining horses, despite the lack of state or federal funding for their operations, relying instead on donations for support.

Visitors to the area should remember that it is illegal to approach or feed wild horses. Such actions could have detrimental effects on the horses, as it disrupts their natural behaviors and can lead to harmful interactions. There have been previous incidents of tourists interfering with the horses, including one case in 2022 where a tourist attempted to pull a newborn stallion into a boat, as well as another incident in 2020 involving three tourists trying to capture a month-old foal for photographs.

As foal season progresses, authorities continue to encourage responsible wildlife observation. The situation underscores the importance of safe practices while enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife along the North Carolina coast. The well-being of both the wild horses and beach visitors depends on mutual respect for this fragile ecosystem.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Tragic Loss of Beloved Wild Stallion Alexander in Nags Head
Tragic Death of Wild Stallion Alexander in Nags Head
Explore North Carolina’s Scenic Coastline
Recent DNA Testing Confirms Heritage of Wild Horses in Corolla
Tragic Death of Young Wild Horse in North Swan Beach
Outer Banks Named Most Beautiful Place in North Carolina
Wild Foal Disturbance Raises Concerns in Beaufort
Unique Family-Friendly Travel Destinations for 2025
Rescue Operation for Wild Mare in Corolla
Newborn Wild Foal Rescued from Canal in Carova

Additional Resources

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.

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