A recent viral social media post falsely claimed that volunteers in Corolla, North Carolina, were wrapping wild horses in insulation and duct tape to protect them from extreme cold. The post, shared widely on Facebook, depicted horses bundled in what appeared to be thermal materials, sparking concern among thousands of users. However, the entire story is a fabrication – the images were generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
The Viral Claim
The fake post, attributed to a nonexistent organization called “Outer Banks People,” asked for donations of insulation and duct tape to support their efforts. The images, though seemingly realistic, were actually part of an AI-driven hoax. The profile behind the post also featured other bizarre, AI-generated images, including a rodent in a prison jumpsuit and a horse-sphinx hybrid, raising immediate red flags.
Debunked by Experts
Chris Winter, CEO of the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, confirmed that the images were entirely fake. “It is unfortunate that these posts continue to be made, as it creates considerable and widespread concern for the well being of the horses,” he stated. The incident highlights how easily AI-generated content can deceive the public, even when it seems plausible.
The Growing Problem of AI-Generated Wildlife Content
This hoax comes after a Conservation Biology study last year warned about the dangers of AI-manipulated wildlife images. These fabricated depictions can misrepresent the natural world and create unnecessary alarm among the public. Sharing unverified content without scrutiny can spread misinformation rapidly, undermining trust in authentic conservation efforts.
The lesson is clear: always question the authenticity of viral animal content before sharing it.
The incident serves as a reminder that visual information online is not always what it seems, and that critical evaluation is crucial in the age of AI-generated media.
