HORSES

The over 100 wild horses on Shackleford Banks have been determined to be related to Spanish horses, and may be descendants of horses that swam ashore from shipwrecks. These hardy animals subsist entirely on Spartina marsh grass, sea oats and water found on the islands, and can swim between islands but not to the mainland. More about the Shackleford horses

The smaller herd of 33 horses on the four islands that make up the Rachel Carson Esuarine Reserve (including Carrot Island) are known to be descendants of a group of horses left there by Dr. Luther Fulcher in 1947. They are feral (have reverted to the wild) and can be seen eating the cordgrass along the shores across Taylor’s Creek from Beaufort.

RACHEL CARSON ESTUARINE RESERVE

The Rachel Carson Reserve is located between the mouths of the Newport and North Rivers and directly across Taylor’s Creek from the historic town of Beaufort in Carteret County. The main part of the site, just south of Beaufort, is a complex of islands which includes Carrot Island, Town Marsh, Bird Shoal, and Horse Island. These islands are more than three miles long and less than a mile wide.

More than 200 species of birds have been observed at the site, which is located within the Atlantic Migratory Flyway. Many species are considered rare or decreasing in number.

Horses were brought to the site by a local citizen in the 1940s and eventually became wild or "feral," thus they are considered non-native inhabitants of the islands. The horses are valued by locals and tourists alike as a cultural resource and symbol of wildness and freedom.

The Rachel Carson site is only accessible by private boat or passenger ferry. Motor boats can be launched from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission boating access area located at 2370 Lennoxville Road in Beaufort. Canoes and kayaks can be launched from designated areas along the Beaufort waterfront. Ferry services are located along the Beaufort waterfront.

SHACKLEFORD BANKS

Shackleford Banks, the southern-most barrier island in Cape Lookout National Seashore, is home to more than 100 wild horses. Venture out by boat or passenger ferry to enjoy the rare privilege of watching horses that live without the help of man. Appreciate the horses’ tenacity and watch their social behaviors. Respectfully stay far enough away to avoid disturbing the horses or endangering yourself, your children, or your pets.

Shackleford Banks also boasts miles of beach on the sound side as well as the ocean side. Shelling and nature walks are popular activities.