Marilyn Meiler, a state representative for House District 94, urged Missoula County officials during public comment to help address a group of feral horses living in the Miller Creek drainage that she said are posing risks to both the animals and residents.

"They're feral horses. They're not wild horses," Meiler said, explaining the animals are offspring of rodeo stock that were released decades ago and have become unclaimed and uncared for as development reached the area. She said the horses are increasingly dangerous as housing, roads and traffic have expanded in Miller Creek.

Meiler described multiple incidents she said have occurred in the last year, including two horses struck by vehicles — one euthanized and one that survived — and a child who was kicked and required hospital treatment. She said residents had reported animals becoming caught in fences and crossbreeding with ranch livestock, which can create financial problems for nearby ranchers.

Meiler told the commission that state agencies appear to lack a clear path for action: "They're not livestock, so Fish, Wildlife and Parks has no jurisdiction over them. They're not somebody's livestock, so the Department of Livestock isn't really in charge of them." She asked the county to help convene stakeholders and explore options, suggesting the county could work with the state livestock department and Fish, Wildlife and Parks; she named Jay Bodner at the livestock department as an example contact.

Meiler said she had received constituent reports from "fewer than 10, but more than 5" residents and that neighbors with horse experience were among those urging a coordinated response. She asked county staff to consider a higher-level conversation about possible approaches and costs and offered to help organize neighborhood meetings or contact state officials.

County commissioners acknowledged the concern and said staff would follow up. No formal action was taken during the meeting on this item.