Feral Horses in Miller Creek

Let's manage people, not horses. I love living in Missoula because of rare natural treasures such as wild horses. Please use funds and energy for educating residents on how they can change their habits so the herd is less likely to become habituated or mingle with their livestock.

I work at a business located at 6995 Linda Vista Boulevard. The horses often are in our parking lot and near our property and although it is fascinating to be a Close and personal with them, they post a danger to traffic and pedestrians. In addition, self for all of our clients have said that the horses attempted to meet with their animals on private property.

Over 600 residents have signed a petition to leave these horses alone. Please do not start regulating this and destroy the beautiy and sanctuary these horses provide. Im against this and I hope you take our voice into consideration.

https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/preserve-the-freedom-of-feral-wild-horses-in-miller-creek?source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawOKSRpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4jLwibHfrUFMMwcprkUsOT2_2j4tE_sUJo0sgxbqziU_tgQKHDLVN23EE-_Q_aem_yOuuuYxn4UC2re85saSK_w

I have lived in Upper Miller Creek for over a decade; the horses have been here the entire time I’ve been here, and clearly well before I ever moved here. Montana is about natural life and beauty, so who are we to decide what that beauty should be limited to? We don’t have to tell children not to try and pet raccoons, deer, or bears, so why is it that horses are any different? It’s a shame that some of us can’t seem to allow what existed long before we lived in the area to live as they did before, greedy as it may seem to preserve a little bit of the natural world in a city rife with development.

I have seen people walk up to the horses from behind and allow their children to literally yell and run up behind the horses and causes the horses to run but leaves a huge chance of the mares turning and confronting the threat. Especially with the colts right there. It’s reckless. And I have video and will willingly share it if needed. Multiple videos (not of any childs face but of the adults with them).

These horses belong to be there. That is their home and has been for a very long time. The only reason this is being brought up is because someone recently hit one. It’s like trying to rid of the deer because they are eating peoples flowers and are a danger from being hit all of the time. We should just let nature be. It’s a beautiful thing and a privilege to have such exquisite animals just roaming here freely for us to view. I would be so honored and amazed to just have a horse be roaming freely in my yard, not concerned. That is their home. Way before all of the new housing developments. They deserve to be there.

Removed by moderator.

Although I admire these animals, they do not belong here. Non native species that is taking away food from our native deer and elk populations. They also permanently destroy native plant live by ripping it out from the roots, native animals browse so it regrow every year, these horses don't. In addition, I've almost hit these horses many times iny 5 years living up Miller Creek. They are often in the field next to happy paws and all over the road (which is 45 mph). Stop waiting for a kid to get kicked and killed or a driver to get themselves killed for animals that do not belong here.

As a miller creek resident who sees these horses daily for years there is no need to relocate them. There is however the need to deem them legally as wildlife so that if something happens there is someone (FWP or Animal Control) to deal with any issues. Just like the other wildlife, leave it alone and they leave you alone. Maybe some signs posting to warn new people that there are wild horses and they shouldn’t be fed or approached (just like the bears).

I actually think that this is a waste of time and money. There are far more pressing issues than this one to tackle. I love seeing these horses, and I give them a healthy amount of space for my safety and their safety. Others need to do the same. Whenever I see them, they brighten my day. Please work on more pressing issues such as road construction, taxes, and true public safety issues.

This area is what these horses have always known. They're healthy and happy. Houses shouldn't have taken over. Maybe secure some land near where they can freely go where no one can build. Doesn't MCPS own some land over there that's empty? Leave these poor creatures alone. Put street signs to warn driver's. They need to drive slow for residents and children, why not horses too? We love the horses!

Removed by moderator.

Sterilize them and leave them be.

I feel a management plan is important- as the herd grows. Education to the public is vital.
My question is how a county plan will work with the current state law on abandoned horses/property (this was published in the Missoulian awhile ago)?. A plan that is able to remain consistent in its approach is so important as this herd grows.

Leave them alone! They are less of a hazard than deer and elk!

Leave them alone. They will wonder back to the mountains by next year when more food is available. It was a dry year.

My husband and I moved from Missoula city to Lower Miller Creek in June of this year. We see the horses pretty often, and the only way I can describe these interactions is absolute delight. They come through our yard often, and we see them around the neighborhood. They were here long before most people in this area and should have the right to stay. We truly love to see them, and we have been able to share them with local and out-of-state/country visitors alike. Everyone who has gotten to witness them is so excited and amazed that there is still a place where wild horses roam among us. It’s so Montana. If the horses didn’t want to be in the area, they would leave. They should 100% get to stay.

These horses have never affected anybody or livestock that I’ve seen or heard. All they do is roam around and eat grass and plants. I don’t understand what the big bother is. If anything, it’s the people trying to go and touch them, that’s the problem leave them alone. They are completely fine.

I am a resident that lives at the end of Trails End Road. I am also I lifelong horsewoman and own horses myself. My interest in the horses is about wanting what is best for them and their future. The feral horse issue in Miller Creek is much more complicated than "get rid of them" or "don't get rid of them". They are there and they will likely be a part of the landscape for the foreseeable future. There have been many problematic incidents involving the horses that upset me including vehicle collisions, people being injured by approaching them and feeding them, injured or trapped foals being orphaned by their band, foal predation, and diseases transmitted to domestic stock. I would like to see the County Commissioners act in the following way:
1. Establish common sense ordinances that make it unlawful to feed, water, or pet the feral horses and implement hefty fines for offenses.
2. Establish a community group to help with constructing a management plan, providing education to citizens, and making decisions and taking action when problems arise.
3. Provide signage on Miller Creek Road, Trails End Road and other major roadways in the area warning people to slow down and maintain a safe distance from the horses.
4. Assign a dedicated arm of county employees (i.e. Animal Control, County Sheriff, etc.) and grant them authority to respond to incidents and make decisions that weigh the best interests of the horses and the community.

I support the removal of the feral horses. Increasing development has reduced the amount of habitable land available to them, and rising traffic levels pose a significant danger to both the horses and the public. Additionally, lawn and garden vegetation is not an appropriate diet for horses and often leads to serious health complications such as founder and laminitis—hoof diseases that are magnified by improper forage.

Unlike mustangs that have access to BLM management on public land and proper holding facilities, these horses are wandering through residential yards, public roadways, and a handful of larger private properties. While the public Forest Service land outside of town would be a more suitable environment, the easy access to food and shelter in residential areas keeps the horses in urban spaces instead of allowing them to range where they naturally should. Thank you