Shackleford Banks Horses 2011 Findings Report

News Release Date: April 5, 2012

Contact: Wouter Ketel, 252-728-2250 ext. 3005

Contact: Sue Stuska, 252-728-2250 ext. 3017

Harkers Island, NC -- Federal legislation, passed in 1998, protects the wild horses within Cape Lookout National Seashore and requires an annual report on the status of the herd. This report covers the period from April 2011 through March 2012. The horses are cooperatively managed by the National Park Service and the Foundation for Shackleford Horses, Inc., pursuant to the legislation and a Memorandum of Understanding updated in 2007.

There are 109 horses on Shackleford Banks. The population is generally managed between 110 and 130 horses but the birth rate was lower and mortality higher than average/anticipated/expected this past year.No contraception or removal of extra horses has occurred since 2009.This is the second year in a row that birth control has not been needed.The Foundation does have horses available for adoption.

Six foals were born in 2011 and one was born in January of 2012.Most foals are born during the spring and summer months when nutrients are most readily available, but it is not unknown to have winter births.One 2011 foal died within a week of birth of unknown causes and another was removed at 6 months of age when his dam was unable to provide sufficient nutrients for him to survive in the wild.

Adult mortality was above average with one horse under five, five in their teens and two in their twenties dying during this period.

Six mares tested pregnant for 2011; if they foal, they should do so before the end of June.The pregnancy tests, because of their timing, do not show mares who might foal in July or later. Summer foals are likely.

For more information, contact Dr. Sue Stuska, Wildlife Biologist - Horses, at Cape Lookout National Seashore, [phone], ext. 3017, or Carolyn S. Mason, Chairman and President, Foundation for Shackleford Horses, Inc., [phone].For horse adoption information, contact Anita Kimball at [phone] or Joy Lawrence, evenings, at [phone].