Feral horses stir debate in Missoula's Miller Creek neighborhood

MISSOULA, Mont. – A group of feral horses believed to be descendants of rodeo stock animals from the late 1970s has been roaming Missoula's residential areas for decades, particularly in the Lower Miller Creek area.

Local residents have noticed an increase in the presence of these horses near public spaces, including schools. While some residents enjoy having them around, others see them as a potential threat.

"I feel like they've been around my whole life as long as I've been in Missoula," one resident said. "And they just, in the last few years, started coming around enough that they became a hot topic."

The horses have indeed become a hot topic, leading to an online petition advocating for their freedom in the Lower Miller Creek area. The petition has gained 1,100 of the 2,000 required signatures. Some residents, however, would prefer the horses be relocated due to concerns about safety and cleanliness.

Gena Stevens, a Lower Miller Creek resident, expressed her support for the horses. "I actually don't know that I know anyone who doesn't like them or want them to stay," she said. She also noted how the community keeps an eye out for them. "Even within our family, if one of us has seen them on the roadway or something, we're quick to let each other know and share that information."

Despite differing opinions, the pressing question remains: what will be done about these animals?

Chris Lounsbury, Chief Administrative Officer, spoke about the next steps. "Next steps really for us is doing some outreach with the public. We'll be doing that in early March," he said. He emphasized that no one is considering removing all the horses but ensuring public safety is a priority. "We've already had one really significant auto accident where a car hit one of the horses, which unfortunately had to be put down."

Residents will have the chance to express their views in an upcoming public engagement event set for early March. This event will provide a platform for locals to discuss their concerns and contribute to a management plan for the horses.

For those interested in participating, details about the public engagement event will be available as the date approaches.