Assateague welcomes a new pony

Assateague Island National Seashore officials made an exciting announcement this week — the Maryland herd of wild ponies has grown to 93 with the birth of a bay pinto (N6BMT-FN) at the start of the month.

Pictures show the filly, a female with three white spots, is in good health, and she has been observed nursing as well. The filly’s mother is Jojo, an 8-year-old pony with an identification number of N6BMT-F. The father is likely Llama Boy, N6BMS, though now Jojo and the baby are part of General Harker’s (X16-A) band.

Mares frequently move from one band to another — a pony can be in one band in the morning, and a different one in the afternoon after a stallion fight.

Visitors to the island hoping to catch a glimpse of the new pony should be warned though — General Harker’s band can typically be found in the Over Sand Vehicle area, south of the developed portion of the park, out of viewing range for most people traveling in regular vehicles.

For more information about the new pony, visit Assateague Island National Seashore’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AssateagueNPS.