National Park Service Cape Lookout U.S. Department of the Interior Cape Lookout National Seashore North Carolina

Horses of Shackleford Banks

Shackleford Banks, the southern-most barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, is home to more than 110 wild horses. This is one of the few places in the eastern United States where wild horses can still be seen. Shackleford Banks is approximately nine miles long and averages less than a mile wide. It contains many habitats, unique to barrier islands, which support the horses.

Origin Like the western mustangs, eastern horses 11 to 13 hands (4” per hand) at the withers were reintroduced to North America by (between neck and back). The Banker European explorers and settlers. Records horses, also called ponies, found up and show horses living on the down the east coast are somewhat related for centuries. Genetic research shows to each other in that they share a similar evidence of Spanish ancestry in the genetic base and a history of adaptation to Shackleford herd. Shackleford adults life on the Outer Banks. average 12 hands in height, with a range of

Wild Life The allure of these horses is their wild loses in the end. When a horse has to lifestyle. Every effort is made to keep repeatedly move away from people, it loses them wild. They are neither valuable grazing time. People feeding fed nor watered. Natural wild horses can cause serious digestive food sources are present, disorders including death. including Spartina marsh & island grass and Uniola (sea Wild Animals oats). Fresh water is Horses can inflict serious injuries on available in various ponds, people. They bite, may charge, and they pools and digs along the can spin to kick amazingly quickly. Wild length of the island. In horses interact with each other in their places, the horses dig holes own language, and an unwary human can and wait for water to seep up. Protection accidentally be in the path of two fighting in storms is afforded by the stretch of stallions or a mare protecting her foal. rare maritime forest (live oaks) and thick shrubs on the north (sound) side of the Illegal Activity island. Federal regulations prohibit “feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentional Watch Without Interacting disturbing of wildlife.” Violators can be While it may be tempting to try to fined as much as $5,000 and spend up to approach or feed a wild horse, the animal six months in jail.

Social Life of Wild Horses Harems and Bands The herd divides itself into approximately unless they have a younger sibling. At 25 harems and, loosely, 7 bachelor bands. some time between a year-and-a-half Each dominant “alpha” stallion guards and five years of age, young fillies and a harem containing mares and their colts leave the harem. The females join young. He directs his harem by “herding” other harems while the males form loose behavior - lowering his head & moving bachelor bands. Bachelor band life gives his neck - until the mares and foals move colts a chance to spar and mature into where he wants them. Young horses nurse stallions who can challenge existing alphas; as long as they are with their dam (mother) continued... Harems, continued some day these males will be able to obtain a mare and start their own harem.

Within and between harems, a hierarchy is maintained by dominance behavior (pin- ning the ears back, biting, rearing & strik- ing, and kicking). The dominant animals have their choice of grasses and drinking water. Often it is a mare who will lead the harem to water.

Management To retain the horses’ wild lifestyle genetic diversity, natural social structure while protecting their island home, and a healthy herd. The island vegeta- some management is necessary. tion, including the unique maritime for- Population growth and mortality are est, is monitored. Management decisions monitored. Selected young horses are made cooperatively by Cape Lookout have been removed during roundups, National Seashore and the Foundation and, more recently, individually under for Shackleford Horses, Inc., a non-profit veterinary sedation. They are adopted organization. by the public or donated to other wild herds. Immunocontraception (birth Preservation control) vaccines, effective for one year, While considered a non-native species are administered in the field without by the park service because they were re- tranquilizers to selected mares. introduced rather than evolving entirely with their environment, these horses are Removal and contraception choices are protected by Federal legislation ensuring made primarily on gentics (how well rep- their continued presence on Shackleford resented the individual’s line is). A cadre Banks. The horses are part of the cultural of experts in genetics, behavior, health history of the area and provide enjoyment and reproduction advise on maintaining for thousands of visitors each year.

Horsewatching Access Dogs Shackleford Banks is accessible only by Dogs are welcome on Shackleford Banks private boat, tour boat, or public ferry. as long as they are on a six foot leash. (A list of operators may be found on Keeping your dog with you protects him the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/ from potentially fatal kicks from horses calo/.) Public ferries transport people and protects the horses (and other wildlife (no vehicles) from near-by towns all year. like rabbits, raccoons, and protected birds) Visitors explore Shackleford Banks on from dog harassment. foot; unlike other parts of Cape Lookout National Seashore, there are no public Finding Horses vehicles on Shackleford Banks. Horses roam the island, so be prepared to walk to find them. When you find horses, Bring Along keep a safe distance away - at least 50 feet Binoculars are recommended to allow from the harem. Be ready to move away you to watch from a safe distance. A if they seem unsettled at your presence. telephoto camera lens is desirable for the If they move towards you, back up to same reason. Bug repellant is needed, maintain the 50 foot distance. Always stay particularly in summer, although warm where you can see all the horses at one weather any time of year will bring out glance. This will help you avoid disrupting pests. Ticks may be found, particularly in the harem or getting in the middle of the shrubs. Walking shoes that can get wet a fight. Stay alert for other stallions will allow you to take the few steps off the approaching the harem. When in doubt, ferry or wade in from your boat. Low- stay back. Settle yourself at a comfortable growing cactus and sand spurs are found in vantage point and watch. Your patience some areas of the island; watch your step will be rewarded by a glimpse into the life and wear shoes instead of sandals. of a wild horse.

More Information For more information, contact

Wildlife Biologist - Horses President Cape Lookout National Seashore Foundation for Shackleford Horses Inc. 131 Charles Street 306 Golden Farm Rd. Harkers Island, North Carolina 28531 Beaufort, North Carolina 28516

(252) 728-2250 (919) 780-8430

http://www.nps.gov/calo/ @FoundationforShacklefordHorses

@CapeLookoutNPS

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA 4/2018