Four cows dead between two separate car vs livestock crashes in Baker County
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SUMPTER – The Oregon State Police (OSP) recently reported two additional cow vs car crashes in Baker County. In total, four livestock were killed (one of them a calf) between both crashes. The first reported crash occurred on October 29 at roughly 7:11 p.m. along Highway ORE7 near Milepost 15.6 Northbound. The official OSP description of the crash (as listed in a recent press log) is as follows:
“On October 29, 2024 at about 7:11 p.m., I responded to a vehicle versus cow crash at milepost 15.6 on Highway 7. Investigation revealed unit #1 was northbound at a stated 50 mph when he encountered several cows in the road. Operator #1 was unable to avoid a collision with one of the cows (calf). Unit #1 sustained severe front-end damage. The cow was deceased at the scene.
Roadrunner Towing responded and removed unit #1. I identified and contacted a responsible person for the calf, I provided them with Operator #1’s information in the event they wished to pursue a claim for the lost calf. No enforcement action taken. “
The second crash occurred on October 30 at roughly 6:37 p.m., also along Highway ORE7 near Milepost 15 Northbound. The official OSP description of the crash is as follows:
“OSP responded to a single vehicle crash on Highway 7 near mile post 15. Road way evidence and driver statements indicated a white 2008 Dodge Caliber traveling southbound struck three black angus cattle in the roadway. The Dodge then left the roadway by the way of the left-hand shoulder before coming to an uncontrolled rest on its wheels in the ditch.
The driver and passenger were transported to Saint Alphonsus Hospital by ambulance for suspected minor injuries. OSP requested a preference tow for the vehicle per the driver’s request. The three cattle were deceased and removed from the roadway. No enforcement action was taken as part of this investigation.”
As a reminder, much of Eastern Oregon falls either partially or fully under open-range jurisdiction, increasing the likelihood of Livestock on the roadway. Baker County in particular contains both open-range and livestock district lands. Depending on the specific area, livestock can wander into the roadway much like any wild animal.
