At the end of 2023 there were 117 horses on Shackleford Banks, according to an undated report by NPS, down from 124 at the end of 2022.
Five foals were born in 2023, for a birth rate of four percent.
Twelve horses died.
The herd consisted of 62% females and 38% males at the end of December.
The low birth rate and unusual sex ratio are likely due to the safe, proven and reversible fertility control program.
Nine mares who had recent foals were treated in 2023.
The report did not indicate the pesticide of choice, but it is probably PZP.
Shackleford Banks is at the southern end of the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
RELATED: Shackleford Herd Grew Slightly in 2022.
Western Horse Watchers Association 