Federal bill aims to raise wild-horse count in region

COROLLA, N.C. 

Corolla wild-horse caretakers have often said it would take an act of Congress to get the herd to a healthy size.

Well, that could literally happen.

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., introduced the Corolla Wild Horse Protection Act on Wednesday. If passed, it would require a new management plan allowing for at least 100 horses. The current plan, approved in 1999, calls for 60 horses.

But 60 horses are not enough for the herd to remain genetically healthy, said Karen McCalpin, executive director of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund.

An adoption effort and a birth control program have helped reduce the herd to 87 from more than 100 in 2006.

In 2008, Dr. Gus Cothran, an equine geneticist and expert in wild horses, determined a low genetic diversity in the Corolla horses that could lead to health problems.

Several horses have developed locked patellas on their back legs, and mares are not having as many foals, possible signs of genetic defects caused by inbreeding, McCalpin said.

"We're concerned," she said.

The horses roam approximately 7,500 acres in the Currituck northern Outer Banks, including the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.

Officials for the refuge have maintained that the horses are not part of the native wildlife. A larger herd could damage the habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages refuges, does not want to raise the number of wild horses without more studies, said Mike Bryant, manager of the Alligator River National Refuge and supervisor for smaller refuges in the region, including Currituck.

"We want to see what the habitat can support," he said.

Mike Hoff, manager of the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge, has begun some habitat studies.

Jones successfully sponsored 1998 legislation that required that a wild-horse herd on Shackleford Banks be managed on 3,000 acres at no less than 110 horses and with a target of 120 to 130.

Jones promised similar help for Corolla in 2008.

DNA tests and other characteristics indicate the Corolla wild horses descended from Spanish mustangs.

The horses are among the most popular tourist attractions on the Outer Banks. In the summer, sales of wild-horse T-shirts, hats and other souvenirs help pay for horse management.

Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com