The South Florida Water Management District has been trying to round up 20+ "wild mustangs" since October. A few new foals have been born since then, and all have successfully eluded attempts at helicopter round ups and baiting.

According to Linda Lindstrom, director of environmental resource assessment, the horses were allegedly released some time in September, and she suspects an owner may have just released the horses. Surprisingly the horses have been labeled feral, wild mustangs, or Florida cracker horses, which are smaller, agile horses of Spanish descent often used as cow ponies. Now the horses have been re-classified as "exotics" that are threatening native Florida wildlife, however these horses are roaming on more than one million available acres, and "exotics" are usually reserved for melaleucas, a seriously invasive weed or the growing population of snakes that are now threatening the area.

Patrick Rooney Jr., a board member of the water district suggested to " get the snakes on them" while Michael Collins, another board member, labels the horses as an " invasive species."

Horses roam and graze over wide areas and are less harmful to native grasses as well as the natural environment. " The horses look fat and healthy and so do their foals. Why can't these bureaucrats just leave them alone." stated MaryAnn Connors, an avid admirer of wildlife and horses. " It's a shame that politicians can't see beyond their own personal agendas" Connors continued.

When caught, the horses will be penned and eventually put up for adoption.

Source:
http://www.examiner.com/x-25445-West-Palm-Beach-Horse-Rescue-Examiner~y2009m12d13-Wild-horses-in-Kissimmee-elude-capture-by-South-Florida-Water-Management-District