In a tragic incident, a wild stallion named Bullwinkle was euthanized after being struck by a vehicle on the beaches of the Outer Banks. The 10-year-old stallion, known for his fierce spirit and dramatic fights with other horses, suffered severe injuries that left him unable to stand. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund, which manages the herd of wild horses in the area, confirmed that Bullwinkle had to be put down due to the extent of his injuries. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
The accident occurred late at night on July 26, 2024, when Bullwinkle was struck by a utility task vehicle (UTV) on Corolla Beach. Witnesses reported the incident to authorities, and the driver fled the scene. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund received a call at 11:30 p.m. from a surf-fishing visitor who witnessed the crash and reported it to 911.
Bullwinkle suffered severe injuries, including a broken right hind leg, trauma to his left hind leg, and internal injuries. Despite the efforts of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund and their veterinarian, Bullwinkle’s injuries were deemed too severe, and he was humanely euthanized the following morning.
The driver, identified as Porter Williamson of Chesapeake, was arrested and charged with resisting, delaying, or obstructing law enforcement. His wife, Rhonda Williamson, was also charged with providing false information to deputies. Both were jailed on bonds.
Impact on the Wild Horse Population
Bullwinkle’s death is a significant loss for the wild horse population in the Outer Banks. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund manages a herd of about 100 wild mustangs that roam the northernmost beaches and swamps of the area. Bullwinkle was in his prime and had been actively fighting for mares, contributing to the genetic diversity of the herd.
The loss of Bullwinkle’s genetics is a blow to the already endangered population of wild horses. With only about 100 Banker horses left in the four-by-four area of Currituck County and another 100 in Shackleford, every individual horse is crucial for the long-term survival of the herd. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund emphasized the importance of protecting these horses from reckless human behavior that can cause irreparable damage.
Meg Puckett, the herd manager for the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, expressed her sorrow over the loss of Bullwinkle. She described him as a symbol of what it means to be wild and free, and his death as a tragic example of how human actions can have devastating consequences for the herd.
Calls for Increased Protection and Awareness
The incident has sparked calls for increased protection and awareness of the wild horse population in the Outer Banks. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund and other organizations are urging visitors to the area to be mindful of the presence of wild horses and to follow guidelines to ensure their safety.
Reckless driving and failure to adhere to regulations can have severe consequences for the wild horses. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund is advocating for stricter enforcement of laws and regulations to protect the horses and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The organization is also working to raise awareness about the importance of the wild horse population and the need for conservation efforts. They are calling on the public to support their efforts to protect and preserve the wild horses of the Outer Banks for future generations.
