By Tim Binnall
Authorities in Oregon are investigating a curious case of a slain bull that bears the hallmarks of a classic cattle mutilation event. The unnerving killing, which occurred in late November at a ranch in the state's Grant County, came to light last week when the animal's owner spoke to a local media outlet about the weird incident. Choosing to remain anonymous, he indicated that the slaying featured several strange elements that appear to defy explanation but will sound all too familiar to students of the cattle mutilation phenomenon.
According to the rancher, the unfortunate bull's snout, eyes, tongue, and reproductive organs had been seemingly skillfully removed. Meanwhile, there was no blood at the scene, scavenger animals showed no interest in the animal's remains, and the area was devoid of any clues that a human could have been behind the eerie event. Grant County Sheriff’s Office deputies subsequently investigated the incident, though they have yet to issue any statement about the matter.
Ranchers in Oregon may understandably be worried that the November incident may represent a reprise of the cattle mutilations that have plagued the state in recent years. To that end, a 2019 case saw five animals slain in a similar singular event, while another rancher reported three separate downed animals throughout 2020. The following year saw multiple cattle mutilations reported in both March and August with the phenomenon last occurring in March of 2022 when another bull was downed under the same mysterious circumstances.
Eerily, the most recent Oregon incident occurred on November 26th, just two days after the passing of preeminent cattle mutilation researcher Christopher O'Brien. While the timing could be entirely coincidental, one can't help but wonder if the man who spent a considerable amount of his life pondering the mysterious phenomenon was provided a first-hand glimpse of it unfolding from the vantage point of the 'other side.'