Oesboy \/ iStock \/ Getty Images Plus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you enjoy the road less traveled, you might want to embark on a trip to visit the wild horses on ASSATEAGUE ISLAND. Descended from feral ancestors, the population was likely brought to the island in the 1600s by owners trying to avoid taxes or fencing laws, according to the National Park Service.<\/p>\n
The horse population here contends with pestering mosquitoes, sweltering heat, turbulent weather and second-rate food sources. The Assateague herd typically divides itself into bands of two to 12 horses, each of which has its own home range.<\/p>\n
While the inquisitive are encouraged to come and admire the horses from a distance, the NPS does not recommend getting too close to them. As horses can get sick from human food, feeding them is considered detrimental, and petting them is also dissuaded.
\n\u201cTreating wild horses like tame animals takes away the wildness that makes them special,\u201d the NPS site reads. \u201cGive the horses the space they need to be wild.\u201d \u2014 JB<\/p>\n
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Annapolis<\/p>\n