See the wild horses of Cape Lookout National Seashore with the park’s Resource Manager Dr. Sue Stuska during the October Horse Sense and Survival Tour.
Set for the morning of Oct. 26, participants will meet at Harkers Island Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. and will return to the Harkers Island dock at 1:15 p.m. Participants will ride the ferry from Harkers Island to the soundside shore of East Shackleford Banks, where they will walk a moderate-level trek off the beaten path to find horses and settle down to watch them. The next tour is Nov. 9 and will be departing from the Beaufort Information Center for the West End of Shackleford Banks. Meets at 8:30 a.m.
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Stuska’s will explain the relationships, behavior, and survival of these wild animals as participants observe the herd from the distance. They will understand how to determine an appropriate position and distance for watching that doesn’t affect the horses’ natural behaviors.
“This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to witness and begin to understand the wild horses,” said Superintendent Jeff West in a statement. “The Shackleford horses are truly a unique aspect of what makes Cape Lookout National Seashore a special place.”
Organizers recommend visitors be prepared for a day in the sun, climbing dunes, walking through brush, slogging through ankle-deep mud and wading through deeper salt water. Shoes that protect your feet and stay on in the mud are required.
Participants should also bring water, lunch or snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, sun hat, binoculars and camera with a telephoto lens in a daypack or shoulder bag.
Space on the tours is limited and reservations are required. The program is free. Cost for the ferry is $17 for adults & $10 for ages 11 and younger.
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For reservations call the park at 252-728-2250, ext. 0. For more information, including meeting places, times, and ferry costs, visit the park’s website.
