Feral Horses in Miller Creek

Project Background:

Missoula County is currently exploring options to address concerns around a band of feral horses that roams between the Miller Creek area of Missoula and south into the Bitterroot Valley. The feral horses, believed to be descended from rodeo stock from a former ranch that existed in Miller Creek in the 1970s, have become increasingly present in densely populated residential areas over the last few years.

Residents have raised concerns about the feral horses related to public safety, spread of disease, their impact on area livestock, and increased habituation to people and human food sources. The County has also heard from residents who enjoy the feral horses' presence in their neighborhoods.

It is not clear under state law which agency, if any, has jurisdiction to manage feral horses in Montana. After discussing the issue with the Montana Department of Livestock, Missoula County plans to convene agency representatives with subject matter expertise in land and livestock management, ecology and law enforcement. This group will explore potential options for managing the feral horses and provide staff with their recommendations.

The County will engage the public on any potential recommendations sometime in early 2026. This will likely include a public event highlighting the recommendations and providing residents with a chance to bring any questions or concerns to staff.

The county commissioners would then consider adopting the recommendations at one of their public meetings, which take place most Thursdays at 2 p.m. Information on future meetings will also be posted on this page.

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