Ideas Pour in For Miller Creek Horse Herd

Missoula County leaders will have to sort through hundreds of comments as they try to determine what should be done about the feral horse herd wandering through a growing neighborhood.

And while much of the sentiment is to leave the horses where they are, many residents are worried about safety issues, especially as the herd has taken to wandering among homes, drawing a crowd and posing a traffic hazard in the Miller Creek neighborhood.

READ MORE: Should Missoula County Take Action for Feral Horse Herd

Many commenters believe the horses are a natural part of the area and expressing their love of seeing them roam free, calling them an "absolute delight". Some even see them as less of a threat than the hundreds of urban deer that have become a commonplace feature where hundreds of homes have been built in the past decade.

"Please leave them alone. They are lovely and not causing any harm. We live across from the park and it’s always a joy looking out the window and seeing them." -Sara Z

"The Miller Creek horse herd has been a part of the landscape for many decades. It isn't reasonable for people to move into the area, for the landscape and its features, and then remove key features, which vastly degrade the beauty, culture and heritage of the area."- Edward

Others, including horse owners, suggest the situation is "complicated", and the problem might be better addressed through public education, and making it unlawful to feed, water, or pet the horses. They also suggest warning signs should be placed for drivers to slow down to avoid collisions.

"The horses are great but they come too far down now. It’s not safe for them or the people that live here. Just letting them be isn’t realistic or a viable solution." EL406

"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." -Kitscharging 

     🐴  It's expected that the county will be coming up with some suggested steps by this spring