Feral horses have been roaming free at Cumberland Island National Seashore without a management plan from the National Park Service (NPS), despite the agency’s previous acknowledgment that these nonnative animals have negatively impacted the island’s natural and cultural resources. A decade has passed since the NPS recognized the need for a management strategy, and now it faces backlash for opposing emergency food and water supplies for the horses.
Currently embroiled in a lawsuit aimed at the humane removal of approximately 100 horses from the 18-mile island off Georgia’s coast, the NPS, supported by Justice Department attorneys, has yet to implement a management plan. The agency has maintained that it is not responsible for instances where the horses disrupt endangered species, such as by trampling nests and harming turtles and birds.
The DOJ has argued for the dismissal of the lawsuit, claiming there is no evidence that the horses have harmed endangered species and asserting that under the Endangered Species Act, horses do not qualify as individuals capable of committing “take” offenses against protected wildlife. In response to the lawsuit, plaintiffs are urging U.S. District Judge Sarah Geraghty to mandate emergency provisions for the horses, especially after a particularly dry June, which exacerbated the situation.
Jessica Howell-Edwards, executive director of Wild Cumberland, expressed frustration with the NPS’s failure to show compassion towards the animals. The horses on Cumberland Island are reportedly suffering from inadequate nutrition and hydration, some showing signs of malnutrition, with videos from Wild Cumberland indicating serious health issues among them.
While the NPS currently refuses to comment on the matter due to ongoing litigation, past statements claim the horse population has been stable and healthy. In contrast, other national parks actively manage their feral horse populations. For example, at Cape Lookout National Seashore and Assateague Island National Seashore, the NPS has implemented measures to control horse numbers and minimize ecological damage.
This disregard for the situation at Cumberland stands out, especially considering the NPS’s own 2014 document highlighting the detrimental effects of the feral horse population on the island’s resources. The report called for a management plan, noting the complications involved due to the animals’ popularity with visitors.
Calls for a management plan raise concerns about cost, particularly since potential feeding strategies could be financially burdensome given the number of horses involved. Critics argue that the NPS must address the balance between compassion for the horses and protecting the island’s natural ecosystems.
The ongoing legal battle raises questions about the NPS’s approach, as observers worry that legal precedents may force the agency to become responsible for the welfare of nonnative species throughout the park system. The lack of action and care for the horses presents a significant challenge for the NPS in fulfilling its mission to protect natural and cultural resources.