Cape Lookout National Seashore

The wild horses of Shackleford Banks are one of the most unique parts of exploring Cape Lookout National Seashore. Reaching their remote barrier‑island home requires planning. You are required to take a boat ride. Once you’re there, you’ll find no mainland amenities, only the preserved habitat these horses have lived in for centuries. They survive entirely on natural food sources and freshwater found across the island. The island and the horses are federally protected by Congress, like bald eagles! To protect these natural wonders, the National Park Service and the Foundation of Shackleford Horses carefully manages the herd.

Meet Dr. Sue Stuska, the park’s horse biologist. With help from volunteers, she surveys the island year‑round to identify each horse using unique markings and behaviors. Additionally, dung is collected from each young horse during its first summer so that its paternity can be determined. These tasks are essential for understanding and protecting the herd.

Want to learn more? A few spots remain for the Horse Sense and Survival Tour on Sunday, September 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. from Harkers Island. Visitors will venture onto Shackleford Banks with Dr. Stuska to observe wild horse behavior and monitoring in action. Registration is required, and space is limited.

Image Description: Dr. Sue Stuska talks to visitors about the Shackleford Banks Horses. NPS Photo/S.Godin