Assateague Island pony dies in vehicle collision
On the evening of Friday, July 29, Assateague Island rangers on the Maryland side responded to the report of a collision with a pony.
Upon arriving at the scene, rangers noted the pony, N10OY, a 16-year-old stallion, also known as Tunkan Hoskila, had suffered a broken leg as a result of the collision, and thus had to be humanely euthanized.
Meghan Rutzedeck, a visitor from York, Pennyslvania, witnessed the scene of the accident shortly following the collision.
"Traffic was backed up for awhile and rangers were all over the road," Rutzedeck said. "The horse was laying in a ditch on the side of the road. I'm not sure if it was dead at that point."
Rutzedeck also noted that the windshield to the vehicle, which she described as a small Volkswagen, was smashed in, as if struck at a high speed.
"The windshield was pretty much dented in," Rutzedeck said. "The speed limit is pretty slow there. I don't know for sure, from the way it looks, the car had to have been going pretty fast, unless the horse actually jumped into it."
Regardless of the circumstances, vehicles have historically served as a threat to the ponies at Assateague Island, with the death of Tunkan making 30 deaths as a result of collisions since 1982. This event, in such a short time frame from the annual Chincoteague Pony Penning, brings to light the need for caution when driving through the park.
Assateague Island National Seashore has issued a statement urging drivers to follow a simple set of rules when traversing the roads on Assateague Island. Mainly, obey all posted speed limits, and always be aware of your surroundings. If horses are seen near the road, slow your vehicle and be prepared to stop, as the ponies are easily startled and could jump into the road.
Lastly, never encourage a pony to approach a vehicle or step into the road under any circumstances.