ASSATEAGUE ISLAND– The National Park Service has announced updated pony population numbers from the March 2025 census. 

Officials counted 79 horses on the Maryland portion of the island, up from 73 a year prior, and closer to the population goal range of 80 to 100. 

Assateague Island Pony Population 2025

The National Park Service released updated population numbers for the Assateague Island ponies based on the March 2025 census. 

NPS says the March census takes place after most winter deaths have occurred but before most foals are born, with four deaths and ten births since March 2024. 

On the Virginia side of the island, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company recently shared photos of four ponies who recently passed, including Tuleta Star, Ella of Assateague, Poco Latte and Lady. 

"We share the news of pony’s passing knowing that they lived a full life in the wild as they should have," the fire company wrote on Facebook. "Those who have passed on have given us many beautiful foals over the years and all have progeny remaining on the island."

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Bees is an Ocean City local familiar with Eastern Shore culture and history. She is passionate about audience engagement through community journalism, media literacy and language. Before joining WBOC, Bees was Editor in Chief of SU's student news outlet, The Flyer. She is thrilled to serve Delmarva as a newscast producer on WBOC's team.

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