Wandering wild horses causing concerns for drivers in South Okanagan

Wild horses spotted on Highway 97 in the South Okanagan this winter are making many motorists feel uneasy, but the animals have not proven to be a significant factor in collisions.

Collisions with feral horse only account for about one in 5,500 wildlife accidents reported each year to the province, the Ministry of Transportation said an emailed statement.

“While vehicle collisions with feral horses are a concern because they are large animals, those collision numbers are low,” the ministry said.

The ministry is working with First Nations in the South Okanagan to build wildlife exclusion fencing along Highway 97, which have one-way wildlife gates.

This horse was seen grazing beside Bathville Road west of Summerland. While there were no barriers between the snowy pasture and the road, there was a cattleguard nearby to prevent any large animals from wandering into town. | Photographer: Dan Walton

However, Clarence Louie, Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band, said he hasn’t heard anything about the province building wildlife fencing.

“But I do see some being built by private orchardists and vineyards,” Chief Louie said.

READ MORE: Future uncertain for wild horses scattered by wildfire near Logan Lake

He hasn’t noticed the horses making their way to Highway 97 more than any other year, although last week some came onto his property for the first time in years, as a cattle guard was so heavily packed with snow that it couldn’t prevent the animals from crossing.

The Penticton Indian Band has also had challenges containing feral horses because of snow-packed cattle guards, according to a media release from the band

Off-road motorists who cut through fences have been making it more difficult to manage horses, the band said.

Some horses, although feral, are owned by members of the band, and band administrators contacts the horses’ owners when complaints are made. However, other wild horses have been turned loose onto the land by non-members.

READ MORE: iN VIDEO: Herd of horses enjoy a gallop through Osoyoos

The band said it is in the process of drafting a bylaw for animal control and range use.

B.C.’s Livestock Act, which includes horses in its the definition of livestock, states that owners must not allow their animals to be at large.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

Dan Walton

Before joining the ranks of InfoTel, Dan’s byline could be found in newspapers in Penticton, Peachland and Oliver. Prior to his arrival in the South Okanagan, he first sharpened his chops as a reporter at a radio station in Brighton, Ontario, and then newspapers in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, and Invermere B.C.
From quilting competitions to crimes against humanity, Dan isn’t afraid to cover any topic. Always seeking out the best angles - whether it’s through the lens of his camera or the voices of his Interviews – he delves into the conflict and seeks out the humanity in every story worth telling.
Dan is always happy to hear from readers. To get in touch for any reason he can be contacted at (250) 488-3065 or dwalton@infonews.ca.

More Articles