Dozens of cattle slaughtered by mystery creature that left no tracks
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Dozens of cattle in Colorado have been slaughtered over the past
two months by an elusive predator that has left no tracks.
In October, 18 dead cows were found just outside the town of Meeker.
Some looked as though they were killed by wolves, but officials with
Colorado Parks and Wildlife found no wolf tracks or evidence of the
predator in the area.
In the two months that local wildlife experts have searched for
a culprit, at least 40 calves have died.
The rancher who lost those calves, Jerry Klinglesmith, wrote in The
Fence Post that what he thinks may have happened.
"The most likely scenario would be the following: An apparent canine
attack may have triggered the onset of a still-inconclusive cause
of death," Klinglesmith wrote.
Klinglesmith, along with veterinaries, officials with the Colorado
Parks and Wildlife and other experts, continue to investigate the
cause of the deaths. While the case largely remains a mystery, a new
theory, unrelated to wolves, has emerged.
Both Klinglesmith and Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northwest Region
Manager Travis Black say the cows may have also been infected with
black leg, a disease caused by the Clostridium bacteria, The
Coloradoan reported.
Pathology results have not yet confirmed whether that was the cause
of death.
After mentioning the possibility of it being caused by the disease
during a Nov. 17 state Wildlife Commission meeting, Black said
a "handful" of calves sustained injuries consistent with a wolf
attack. Some had missing tails and marks consistent with canine
teeth.
While cows can develop a variety of diseases, it remains unclear
whether Klinglesmith's cattle had been suffering any health issues.
Being attacked by dogs or wolves would have exacerbated any
health issues within the herd, according to Black.
Officials have utilized aerial flights, howling surveys and game
cameras to look for wolves and wolf tracks to no avail. There have
been no confirmed wolf reports in the area, only unconfirmed
sightings, leaving officials confused and desperate for an answer.
"We have zero evidence of wolves being in the area, but that
doesn't mean they weren't there," Black said. "Right now, we don't
have a solid answer as to what happened."
