Wild horses roam the landscapes of Montana. These free-roaming equids are a distinctive part of the Western United States.
Wild Horse Habitats in Montana
Montana’s primary wild horse population is found within the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range. This designated area is located approximately 50 miles south of Billings, extending across the Montana-Wyoming border near Bighorn Canyon. Encompassing over 38,000 acres, the range is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to sustain these herds. The Pryor Mountains offer diverse terrain, ranging from high desert to pine-covered elevations, providing varied habitats for the horses.
Beyond the Pryor Mountains, a smaller, distinct herd of wild horses resides on Wild Horse Island in Flathead Lake. This island, managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, is accessible only by boat and offers a unique viewing experience. The Pryor Mountain herd is the state’s only large, federally protected free-roaming wild horse population. Wild Horse Island offers another viewing opportunity.
The Legacy of Montana’s Wild Horses
Montana’s wild horses, especially those in the Pryor Mountains, have a rich history. These feral horses are descendants of once-domesticated horses that returned to a wild state. Genetic studies suggest the Pryor Mountain mustangs have high ancestry from New World “Spanish” breeds, tracing back to horses brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors in the 15th and 16th centuries. Some researchers believe these horses were introduced to Montana centuries ago by Native American tribes, such as the Crow.
These horses roamed unmanaged until the mid-20th century. Public outcry in the 1960s, in response to proposals for their removal, led to the establishment of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range in 1968. This area became the nation’s first protected refuge dedicated to mustangs, ensuring their continued presence. The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 recognized them as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West.”
Managing Wild Horse Populations
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) primarily manages Montana’s wild horse populations. The BLM is tasked with maintaining healthy wild horses on healthy public rangelands, balancing herd numbers with available forage and ecosystem health. For the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, the Appropriate Management Level (AML) is set to around 90 to 120 animals, excluding foals, to prevent overgrazing. However, actual populations can sometimes exceed these targets.
To control population growth, the BLM uses methods like periodic gathers (roundups) to remove excess animals. These removed horses are often offered for adoption to the public; unadopted animals are cared for in long-term holding facilities. Fertility control vaccines, such as Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP), are also used. PZP is administered via remote darting to mares, preventing pregnancy without affecting their natural behavior, and can reduce the need for future gathers.
Their Place in the Ecosystem and Observation
Wild horses influence Montana’s ecosystems, affecting vegetation and interacting with other wildlife. As large grazers, they contribute to vegetation management by consuming plant material, which can help prevent overgrowth and reduce fuel for wildfires. Their movement can also aerate soil and promote nutrient cycling. However, when populations exceed the land’s carrying capacity, overgrazing can occur, leading to habitat degradation and competition for resources with native species like deer and elk. Unmanaged horse use can also increase soil erosion and affect water sources.
The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range offers viewing opportunities for wild horses in Montana. Visitors can drive through accessible areas, such as along Highway 37 in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for sightings, as horses are more active. It is important to maintain a safe distance of at least 100 feet from the horses to respect their natural behavior and ensure safety. Local visitor centers, like the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center, can provide current information on horse locations and ethical viewing guidelines.