4/3/25 Parks and Recreation Advisory

Pet safety information - Rattlesnake Greenway

As of April 3, 2025, Parks and Recreation has received unverified reports of dogs being poisoned on the Rattlesnake Greenway trail between Mountain View and Duncan Drive. This section is bordered by Garden City Harvest's PEAS Farm to the west and Rattlesnake Creek to the east.

Here's what we can confirm:

• The City does not use poison for pest control and has not applied herbicides or pesticides near the trail.
• Garden City Harvest's PEAS Farm does not use poisons and has provided the following statement:

"We are concerned and saddened about recent reports of dogs poisoned along the Rattlesnake Greenway and near the PEAS Farm. To be clear, Garden City Harvest does not use any types of poison, herbicides, or synthetic pesticides at any of its sites, including the PEAS Farm. As a farming and gardening organization, we promote sustainable and regenerative practices in growing food and in caring for our ecosystem." Jean Zosel, GCH Executive Director

• Missoula Animal Control has not received any reports of dog poisonings.
• The trail is signed “dogs on leash” to accommodate and protect other trail users, pets, adjacent neighbors, and the environment.
• In addition to the PEAS Farm, multiple private properties border the trail. The City has no jurisdiction over private pest control practices.
• Dogs can be poisoned by eating rodents that have ingested poison, another reason to keep pets leashed.

We understand how distressing it is when a pet becomes sick, and we hope for the full recovery of any affected animals. Parks and Recreation strives to make parks and open spaces accessible and welcoming to all. Pet owners can help by observing "dogs on leash" areas where posted and keeping their pets under control. 

For more information or to report an incident, please email parksoperations@ci.missoula.mt.us or phone 406-552-6253.