Keep Them Safe / Keep Them Wild

Horses have been present on Assateague Island since the 1600s, living in free-ranging bands that graze in the marshes, saunter along the beach, drink at freshwater ponds, and wander on trails and roads. Although they are accustomed to human activity, they are not tame. Petting and feeding them causes harmful behavioral changes by making them unafraid of humans and vehicles, and horses that begin approaching visitors and vehicles become more aggressive over time. Horses attracted to roads also face a greater risk of injury or death from vehicles, so people should keep their distance and not approach, touch, or feed them.

Maryland · United States