Wild pony on Assateague Island fatally struck by Park Service vehicle

A wild horse named Connie's Girl was struck and killed by a vehicle driven by a U.S. Park Service employee on Assateague Island in Maryland. (Assateague Island Alliance)

A wild pony on Assateague Island on Maryland’s Eastern Shore was struck and killed by a U.S. Park Service vehicle, officials said.

The incident happened Sunday morning at the park, which is known for its wild ponies. The pony — a roughly 18-month-old chestnut mare named Connie’s Girl — was standing in the road on a curved area in the early morning, Park Service officials said in a statement. She was struck in the hindquarters.

The Park Service employee driving the vehicle wasn’t hurt. The incident remains under investigation, authorities said.

Connie’s Girl was among a band of wild ponies known to frequent the developed parts of the state park and campgrounds, officials said. Ponies on the island are allowed to roam freely and along roads.

Connie’s Girl is the 34th horse to be “hit and killed” on the island since 1982, officials said. Another 17 horses have been hit and injured by vehicles.

“As always, the loss of one of our horses saddens park staff,” officials said in the statement. The Park Service said drivers should be alert, especially at night, as it is getting darker earlier.

The wild ponies on Assateague and Chincoteague islands are known for being part of free-range herds. Each summer, an event where the ponies swim between the two spots draws thousands of visitors.