Wild Horses Indulge in Seasonal Treats on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Corolla, North Carolina – If you’re wandering around the beautiful Outer Banks this autumn, you might notice some unusual behavior among the area’s famous wild horses. Instead of just munching on grasses or sea oats, these stately animals have been seen chewing on persimmon trees as the fruit reaches peak ripeness!
Persimmon Season is Here!
As it turns out, the Corolla Wild Horse Fund recently shared on its social media that this delightful scene aligns perfectly with the seasonal arrival of persimmons. According to a post from September 30, “Persimmon trees are native to our area, and this is the time of year when the fruit is ripe and sweet.” It’s a treat you wouldn’t want to miss if you’re a horse roaming the barrier islands! The post goes on to describe how these fascinating creatures can often be spotted lingering beneath the trees, pressing their noses into branches, and delightfully munching on the dangling clusters of bright orange fruit.
For those who haven’t seen this spectacle, it’s like a free buffet for the wild Bankers who inhabit the region! The horses take their time to enjoy this seasonal bounty, showcasing a lovely example of how the island’s wildlife takes advantage of what nature has to offer at different times of the year.
Understanding the Ripe and the Astringent
Will Cook, a plant ecology researcher at Duke University, provides some helpful insights into these persimmons. When ripe, the fruit becomes a sticky sweet treat, perfect for the horses to dine on. However, not all persimmons are created equal; when unripe, they can be extremely astringent, which can be quite unpleasant! So, it’s a real skill for the horses to know when to feast on these fruits.
The presence of persimmon trees around the islands adds to the rich biodiversity of the area and gives us all a glimpse into how these wild horses manage to thrive in their sometimes-challenging environment. After all, they’ve been making a life for themselves in the Outer Banks since the Spanish explorers introduced them back in the 1500s.
Historians tell us that the horses had to adapt their diets as they settled into their new home. Their meals are now a mix of sea oats, coastal grasses, acorns, persimmons, and other local vegetation, showcasing their resilience and ability to adapt over the centuries.
The Good Works of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund
At the northern end of the Outer Banks lies the dedicated work of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, which takes care of a herd of around 100 of these magnificent creatures. Their efforts go beyond enjoying the beauty of the wild; they are involved in capturing injured and sick horses for medical care and managing a horse farm for those that cannot return to the wild.
To see the horses indulging in their love for persimmons, whether in their natural surroundings or with the help of the fund, is a heartwarming reminder of the importance of conservation efforts. It’s inspiring to witness organizations work to keep these beautiful animals safe and thriving.
Weathering the Storms
Among the good news for these wild wonders is that the Outer Banks barely felt the effects of Tropical Storm Helene during the last week of September. While many areas faced severe flooding, the region seemed to have dodged the worst of it, allowing the horses to continue their seasonal celebrations undisturbed.
So, if you’re in the area, take a moment to look up at the trees, and enjoy the sight of these remarkable wild horses enjoying their persimmon feast. It’s not only a stunning picture of nature but also a heartening testament to the thriving wildlife that enriches the Outer Banks!
