Feral horses are domesticated horses that have returned to a wild state. They often descend from horses that escaped or were released by humans. These animals live in herds and adapt to their environments, which can range from grasslands to deserts. In many regions, such as the Western United States, feral horses are known as mustangs. They play a significant role in local ecosystems but can also compete with native wildlife for resources. Management of feral horse populations is a topic of debate, balancing their preservation with ecological concerns.