Shackleford Banks is a barrier island system on the coast of Carteret County, North Carolina. It contains a herd of wild horses, scallop, lobster, crabs and various sea animals, including summer nesting by loggerhead turtles. It is a tourist and camping site, though only a limited number of people may stay at any given time. Shackleford Banks is a part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore.
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Shackleford Banks Attractions and Activities
Shackleford Banks is known for the feral horses that roam there. The National Park Service closely monitors and studies these "Banker horses". They provided a glimpse into how horses lived in the wild before their domestication. Although how the horses arrived is still a mystery, legend has it that these horses are actually Spanish Mustangs that survived a shipwreck.
Visitors can take a ferry onto the island from Morehead City, Beaufort, or Harkers Island. You will need to check with the park upon arrival for information on getting to the island. Since the horses roam the island, you may have to search for them. Once you find the horses, it is important to keep your distance from the horses because they are feral and not accustomed to humans. If provoked, the horse may attack you. |
