Assateague horses need our help
The investigation continues surrounding a 16-year-old wild horse that was put down after being hit by a car on Assateague Island. According to a post on the Assateague National Park Seashore Facebook page, the horse was known as Tunkan Hoksila.
He was hit by a car on Friday and reportedly suffered a broken leg. Officials say he was humanely euthanized. In that same facebook post they put an emphasis on some of the park’s major rules concerning the horses:
The first, obey speed limits. Officials say this is critical – and it may be necessary to go slower than the speed limit if horses are in or around the road.
The second rule, remain alert. Horses can be startled into traffic by a number of different factors, including horse fly bites or loud engines.
And the third, don’t encourage the horses to come to your car. Officials say this can condition the horses to think food comes from area roadways.
Tunkin’s death is one of 30 on Assateague Island National Seashore since 1982. 47 ABC visited the Park on Monday to talk to visitors about the park rules and how they are being enforced.
“They should be reinforcing those rules.” Said Lani Franco, a annual Park visitor who was joined with her family. ” People shouldn’t be feeding them and everyone should be driving slowly.”
Lani’s daughter goes on to tell 47 ABC some of the park rules that she’s learned over the years.
“You’re not supposed to get close to the horses.” she said. If you get too close they could act up and someone could get hurt.”
Assateague National Park employees tell 47 ABC that feeding the wild horses can make them sick and could also draw them to the road where many horses have been hit and killed. Officials also say this interaction can also make them extremely aggressive towards people. But Mike Korn , an eastern shore native tells us many people still do it despite warnings around the park.
“You got to be very careful. Horses are great to look at but these are wild horses and people getting bite or kicked – it’s terrible but it happens,” said Korn. “And I hate to say this but almost every time I come out I see people way too close and don’t get me wrong – you can get lucky but it’s not worth the risk.”
National Park employees say viewing wild horses in their natural habitat is a rare and rewarding experience. Keep both you and the horses safe by simply following the rules.
