Last Thursday, the seven-year-old mare Chama Wingapo was found dead in the campground at the Assateague Island National Seashore (AINS). There was no sign of visible external injuries, but further investigation revealed Chama Wingapo had ingested a large amount of dog food as early as last Wednesday. Incidentally, Chama Wingapo was one of five mares to birth a foal during the island’s baby boom last summer.
It was determined the large amount of dog food caused an impaction, or blockage, resulting in a rupture of the intestine. Chama Wingapo’s tragic passing resulted in AINS officials this week to reiterate the importance of carefully storing human and pet food from the island’s wild horses and other wildlife. The horses are familiar sites around the populated areas of the barrier island and interact with humans, often raiding picnic baskets and coolers sometimes with deadly results as evidenced by the mare sudden death last week.
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Horrible death for the pony!
ReplyDeleteSo very sad !
I'm finding that hard to believe!
ReplyDeleteThey eat everything and steal food from everyone. This is just a Liberal government attempt to keep us off the beaches.
They've already stopped us from driving our 4x4 trucks on the beach in Assateague Va. because of the piping plovers nesting. Please tell me how the piping plovers are smart enough to nest on the Over the Sand areas and not the areas the thousands of tourist lay out on?? Isn't it funny that these birds will only nest where the trucks drive, but not where the tourist put their beach chairs. As a matter of fact the nesting takes place in the dunes and the trucks don't drive on the dunes. DUH!!
I have to wonder if they are not getting enough food. Maybe they should consider putting suitable food in an area away from people.
ReplyDeleteThen one Wonders > how can so called > Dog Food be Safe for
ReplyDeleteDogs ???? Probably NOT !!!!
The ponies have always survived with the available food that the island naturally offers, along with some food provided by Park officials during the leaner months, none of which includes dog food. Like any wild animal, ponies take advantage of an easy meal when it's found.
ReplyDelete12:07 and 1:15 -- it's called science. Not everything is a conspiracy. Anyone who knows horses would understand how this sad thing could happen.
ReplyDelete12:07 FYI those horses did just fine for over 600 years on that island without people! I'm talking about the truck crowd as well as beach goers and campers. If I had my way, none of you would be permitted on the island .
ReplyDelete600 years?
Delete12:07- this has nothing to do with the government. It has to do with moron tourists who think they own the island (like you). The wildlife was there long before people, yet everyone seems to think it's their island to do whatever they want. Get over yourself.
ReplyDelete