A wild horse named Bullwinkle, a 10-year-old stallion from the endangered Banker horse breed, was euthanized after being hit by an off-road vehicle on a beach in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. These horses have been living on the Outer Banks since the 1500s, with only about 200 of them remaining in the wild.
Bullwinkle, known for his tenacity and aggression, was not accustomed to humans and was a symbol of freedom in the wild. Unfortunately, due to irresponsible and reckless behavior, he suffered severe injuries that led to his euthanization. The Corolla Wild Horse Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to managing and protecting the herd, expressed their grief on Facebook over the loss of Bullwinkle.
The Currituck County Sheriff’s Office arrested Porter Williamson, the driver of the vehicle, who fled the scene but was later caught. He was charged with resisting a public officer, along with Rhonda Williamson, whose relationship to Porter was not immediately clear. Both were released on bond.
This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the impact of human actions on wildlife and the importance of responsible behavior around endangered species like the Banker horses. It highlights the need for greater awareness and conservation efforts to protect these iconic animals for future generations to appreciate and admire.