The Park Service said in a news release yesterday that 121 horses were living on the barrier island at the end of 2021, up from 117 at the end of 2020.
The growth rate was 3.4%.
Eleven foals were counted and seven deaths were reported.
The average lifespan was eleven years and no mares were treated with contraceptives in 2021, according to the annual report. Fertility control was introduced in 2000.
The herd was 39% male and 61% female, a characteristic observed in other areas where the Montana Solution has been applied for an extended period.
RELATED: Shackleford Herd Grows In Latest Census.
Western Horse Watchers Association 