Three foals seen on remote NC island where food is growing scarce, park says

Three foals have appeared on North Carolina’s Shackleford Banks, a barrier island that has become an increasingly perilous home to a herd of beloved wild horses.

The trio of newborns brings the herd to about 105 horses, which remains below the target population of 120 to 130.

Twenty of the horses died in 2025 – a mortality rate of 17% – and it was due largely to lack of food, according to Cape Lookout National Seashore.

“This is above the 6% average mortality from 1999 through 2024,” the park reported in a study. “Evidence shows that the increased mortality is primarily due to the herd adjusting to the available vegetation on the dynamic barrier island. As a result, the majority of the deceased horses were in thin body condition.”

The food shortage will likely get worse, park officials told The Charlotte Observer in April.

“Factors include erosion of the island, succession of the grassy swales to woody shrubs, loss of marsh, overwash and flooding of the island, and intermittent drought conditions,” NPS officials said.

“Additionally, a recent study indicates that fresh drinking water is less widely available than is desirable. The population is expected to continue to decline until a balance is reached.”

Seven foals were born on the island in 2025. One died and two were removed by the Foundation for Shackleford Horses when the foals became separated from their mothers, officials said. The foundation is a nonprofit that tends the herd’s medical needs and rescues those in jeopardy.

The Shackleford Banks covers about 2,990-acres and is accessible only by boat or ferry. The island is about a 155-mile drive southeast from downtown Raleigh.