Wild horses on Assateague Island National Seashore near Ocean City, Maryland feed on winter grass. The federally protected feral horses are beleived to be descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District plays a small role in helping all protected animals on the island by reducing erosion on the perimeter of Assateugue Island. The shallowdraft vessel CURRITUCK dumps material taken from the Harbor at Ocean City and dumps it near the shoreline. Waves sculpt the dredged material to give the beach a natural look. (USACE photo by Hank Heusinkveld)