Sweet Kid Learns A Tough Lesson About Feeding Wild Animals

The 7-year-old girl who was injured this weekend at Wild Horse Island State Park was hand-feeding fruit to one of the wild horses.

The young lady should be fine. Fish, Wildlife & Parks Warden Brian Schwartz says she was treated at Polson's St. Joseph Medical Center and has been released.

According to FWP Investigator Brian Sommers,  it appears that one of the horses struck the girl in the back with a hoof, knocking her to the ground.  She sustained a bruise to her back and abrasions on her face as a result of the incident.  The investigation continues. 

Montana State Parks reminds visitors that all of the animals on Wild Horse Island are wild and people should not approach them. Feeding animals is prohibited in the park.   If the horses approach you wave your arms, yell at the horses and make every attempt to avoid the horses and any physical contact.   Montana State Parks asks visitors to report anyone observed feeding the horses or other animals on the island as soon as possible to 1-800-TIP-MONT.