{"id":1140,"date":"2026-06-03T17:06:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T17:06:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlotterelocationguide.com\/?p=1140"},"modified":"2026-06-03T17:06:50","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T17:06:50","slug":"three-foals-seen-on-remote-nc-island-where-food-is-growing-scarce-park-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/charlotterelocationguide.com\/?p=1140","title":{"rendered":"Three foals seen on remote NC island where food is growing scarce, park says"},"content":{"rendered":"

Three foals have appeared on North Carolina\u2019s Shackleford Banks, a barrier island that has become an increasingly perilous home to a herd of beloved wild horses.<\/p>\n

Read more New takeout restaurant brings hot-and-ready protein bowls to uptown Charlotte<\/a><\/p>\n

The trio of newborns<\/a> brings the herd to about 105 horses, which remains below the target population of 120 to 130.<\/p>\n

Twenty of the horses died in 2025 \u2013 a mortality rate of 17%<\/a> \u2013 and it was due largely to lack of food, according to Cape Lookout National Seashore.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is above the 6% average mortality from 1999 through 2024,\u201d the park reported in a study. \u201cEvidence 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

The food shortage will likely get worse,<\/a> park officials told The Charlotte Observer in April.<\/p>\n

Read more New takeout restaurant brings hot-and-ready protein bowls to uptown Charlotte<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cFactors 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,\u201d NPS officials said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdditionally, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Seven foals were born on the island in 2025. One died and two were removed by the Foundation for Shackleford Horses<\/a> when the foals became separated from their mothers, officials said. The foundation is a nonprofit that tends the herd\u2019s medical needs and rescues those in jeopardy.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Read more This Charlotte restaurant is a time machine, serving hungry diners since 1957<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Shrinking herd of wild horses on North Carolina\u2019s Shackleford Banks grows as three foals, National Park Service says. 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