Three Dead Cows in Three Days Remind Drivers to Watch the Road in Open Range Areas
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – (Information from the Oregon State Police) The hazards of traveling through Eastern Oregon are nothing if not unique. With much of the region being considered open range, the possibility of livestock wandering into lanes of travel is an infrequent but constant issue. The Oregon State Police responded to two separate cow vs car collisions on May 23 and 25 respectively, resulting in three dead livestock. The first incident occurred on Highway 86 near milepost 12 and is described by the OSP as follows:
“The Oregon State Police received a report of a cold vehicle versus cow collision on SR86 near milepost 12. The driver called in to report that she had struck a calf near the location. The area is open range. The calf was black, and the driver did not see it until it was too late. The vehicle was able to drive away from the scene on its own power.”
The May 25 incident also occurred on Highway 86, this time near milepost 14. As stated by the OSP:
“Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle vs cow crash near mile post 14 on SR-86. A white Dodge Dakota struck two cows that were in the roadway. Upon arrival the driver of the vehicle was gone. Both cows were deceased, and contact was made with the cattle owner. The vehicle was towed by Blue Mountain Towing. The driver was later contacted/identified.”
These incidents serve as a reminder to always watch out for livestock, especially when in open range and agricultural areas. Keep in mind that wild animals such as deer can also be a destructive and potentially lethal driving hazard, especially in low visibility. Always stay attentive and watch for animals in the road, regardless of if they wandered in from a pasture or the forest.
