Please resist the temptation to turn on the spigot for the wild horses

Assateague Island National Seashore
As the days on Assateague heat up, it’s important to remember to stay hydrated. You might think that the same thing goes for the wild horses especially after seeing them roaming around the parking lot or galloping full speed down the beach in the hot sun. But before you reach to open the water spigot for them, it’s important to remember that the horses have plenty of drinking water available on the island in the form of freshwater and brackish ponds, and that turning the water on for them can be problematic.

In a situation where the water spigot is left on, a wild horse can become aggressive toward other wild horses or people that approach the spout because it wants to protect the water for itself. Likewise, if a wild horse is near the spigot and the water is not turned on, it could become aggressive toward people if it does not receive water. This makes it dangerous for visitors trying to use the showers or restrooms in the vicinity of the wild horses.

Please resist the temptation to turn on the spigot for the wild horses. They were on the island for over 300 years before we showed up with plumbing!

(Photo and text: Student Conservation AssociationIntern Ashley Cotrange)