News Release

Three-month-old orphaned foal relocated from Assateague Island National Seashore Maryland Herd to Virginia Herd

Date: July 12, 2021
Contact: Hugh Hawthorne, 410-629-6080

Berlin MD-Chincoteague VA 

A three-month old orphaned foal (N2BHS-CKPT) has been relocated to the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. Its mare (N2BHS-CKP, Moonshadow) was found dead by a park employee in the Oceanside Campground at Assateague Island National Seashore on July 6, 2021. It is believed that her injuries were due to a low speed hit-and-run automobile accident the previous week along Bayberry Drive.  

The foal was also likely involved in the same motor vehicle accident. Although the foal was left slightly lame from the accident, she has been observed grazing and is apparently in good health. However, given her young age, the foal is at a significant disadvantage with the death of the mare (N2BHS-CKP). According to National Park Service (NPS) wildlife veterinarians, foals generally nurse more than three months, and are still learning to graze as well as how to integrate socially into a herd.  

After consultation with NPS wildlife experts and veterinarians, the decision was made to relocate the foal to the Virginia portion of Assateague Island, to improve its chances of survival. As part of the Virginia herd managed by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, the foal will receive immediate supplemental care if needed. She then will be introduced into the herd at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge serves as an ideal site for relocation since the environmental conditions and grazing habitats are nearly identical between the two sites. Assateague Island National Seashore would like to thank the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department for their quick and professional response to this situation. 

It was determined that a management intervention was warranted given that the foal’s survival is uncertain due to a human caused event. 

Visitors are reminded to slow down and always drive with caution along Assateague’s roadways. Be on the lookout for pedestrians, bicycles, horses, and other wildlife when visiting the National Seashore. Any road accident within the park, especially those involving other visitors or wildlife, should be reported to law enforcement rangers at the Ranger Station.
 

For general information about the Seashore and park activities access the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/asis or call 410-641-1441