Assateague Island National Seashore Facebook
Ocean City, MD - Assateague Island National Seashore announced the unfortunate death, believed to be a hit and run, of one of Assateague's treasured wild ponies on their social media page. Park visitors are urged to slow down and always drive with caution along Assateague’s roadways:
"Assateague Island National Seashore Wild Horse Death
On Tuesday, July 6, a four-year old mare (N2BHS-CKP, Moonshadow) was found dead by a park employee in the Oceanside Campground of Assateague Island National Seashore. It is believed that her injuries were due to a hit-and-run automobile accident the previous week. Both the mare and her foal (N2BHS-CKPT) were likely involved in a low-speed motor vehicle accident last week along Bayberry Drive. N2BHS-CKPT is still lame but has improved noticeably over the past week and continues to move around with her band. The foal will remain in the wild, but park staff will continue to monitor her condition in the weeks ahead.
The NPS is committed to protecting the Assateague horses, now and forever. They are a treasured part of the Assateague experience. Managing Assateague’s free-roaming herd of horses includes maintaining a sustainable population while providing visitor access and recreation within the National Seashore. Visitors are reminded to slow down and always drive with caution along Assateague’s roadways. Be on the lookout for horses and other wildlife when visiting the National Seashore. Any road accident within the park, especially those involving wildlife, should be reported to park law enforcement at the Ranger Station.
Keep your eyes on the road! Vehicle strikes are one of the most deadly types of encounters for wildlife in parks. Roads cut through their habitats or migration routes. Be sure to always follow the speed limits and watch for wildlife that may dart into the road. When you want to stop to watch wildlife, pull your vehicle completely off of the road into a designated pull-out—this keeps wildlife safe as well as other motorists.
Since 1982, 35 horses have been hit and killed and 18 have been hit and survived. This number includes 5 unknown 'hit and run' incidents. Be a responsible visitor. Ultimately, staying safe and keeping wildlife wild is up to you! When you go out into a national park, it’s your responsibility to keep yourself, your family, and the wildlife safe."
