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2-year-old stallion struck by vehicle on Assateague Island dies

Posted at 3:13 PM, Aug 08, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-15 17:10:19-04

ASSATEAGUE ISLAND, Md. – A 2-year-old stallion that was struck by a vehicle traveling on Route 611 in Assateague Island National Seashore August 8 had to be euthanized Wednesday.

Officials with the National Park Service said in a Facebook post that the initial incident happened around 9 p.m. The person driving the vehicle was not injured.

The horse reportedly suffered a swollen left hind leg and a small laceration to his left rib cage after the accident. Officials said that while the stallion was lame on the leg, he was able to place his full body weight on it.

On Wednesday, the horse was reported down in the salt marsh and was unable to stand.

The loss brings the total population of the Maryland herd to 78 horses, including 20 stallions and 58 mares.

Park staff said visitors are reminded to slow down and always drive with caution along Assateague’s roadways and to be on the lookout for horses and other wildlife when visiting the National Seashore.