CURRITUCK COUNTY — The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is encouraging the public not to feed the wild horses because it can be harmful, often causing painful colic, and may result in death.
The nonprofit organization announced Thursday it has kicked off the “No Feed, No Approach” initiative to help educate visitors about the dangers of human interaction with the wild herd.
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A 10-foot by 60-foot billboard message has been erected in Coinjock stating “Admire Don’t Feed! Apples and Carrots Kill Wild Horses,” intended to make the public aware that wild horses cannot eat any food that is not from their natural habitat of beach grasses.
Karen and Mac Quidley, owners of the structure on their private land, donated the billboard. Volunteer Kelly Wilkes paid for the vinyl wrap, Robert and Carol Givens of R.O. Givens Signs of Elizabeth City donated the installation and Terry Douglas, a horse-loving graphic artist from Richmond, Virginia, donated the design of the board.
The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is also spreading the message through public service announcements on East Carolina Radio and MAX Radio of the Carolinas, reminding listeners not to approach or feed the wild horses and the harm that can be caused. Duck and Corolla businesses are to promote the wild horse educational messaging on their marquees this summer and property owners in the off-road vehicle area are posting yard signs to reinforce the message. The signs are available at the organization’s museum gift shop in Corolla.
All residents, community and business organizations, restaurants and merchants are encouraged to join in the effort.
