Posted on Facebook on August 15 by Amy E. Carter, this video of wild ponies storming unsuspecting beachgoers has already been viewed over 3 million times!
Assateague Island is the remote barrier island between Virginia and Maryland, and is home to a wild horse population of over 300. Wild ponies have called the island home for centuries. One commenter on Facebook remarked “well, it is their island.”
Experts say that these horses are likely the descendants of domesticated horses that were brought over 400 years ago. The beautiful horses live in different areas divided between the Virginia-Maryland borders, and live two to 12 horses to a group.
The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire company owns and manages the Virginia herd, which grazes mainly on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge… But sometimes, as demonstrated in this video, they decide they might want to steal a snack or two from some tourists.
Visitors to the island are known to come in contact with the horses — though humans are warned against feeding and petting them, because the horses can easily get sick from eating processed human food.
Despite these precautions, there are very few places in the country where people can see herds of wild horses in their natural habitat. Although the people in this video were definitely surprised by the proximity of the horses (who usually keep to themselves), it’s certainly a good story.
Please SHARE this epic pony attack with all of your friends!
