Two drivers hit black cows on Highway 26E

Two cars struck black cows on Highway 26E about 50 miles east of Prineville late Sunday and early Monday, killing the cows, but the drivers and passengers escaped serious injury, Crook County sheriff’s deputies said.

The first driver was heading west on the Ochoco Highway near milepost 49 Sunday evening and saw a black-colored cow in the westbound lane, said sheriff’s Deputy David Peery. The driver was unable to stop in time and struck the cow.

The second driver was heading east in the same area early Monday morning when she saw several black cows in the road, Peery said. She was unable to stop in time and struck a cow in the eastbound lane.

The first vehicle was damaged enough that Dave’s Towing was called to the scene, Peery said. The second car also was damaged but did not require a tow.

Anyone with information about the cow’s owners was asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 541-447-6398.

Both cows were killed in the encounter, according to Sgt. Dave Dethman. Under open range laws, he said, “If you hit a cow, that person bought the cow.”

“Closed range means animals can’t roam around,” he explained, so if an animal gets out and is struck by a vehicle, the owner is liable for damages.

But in open-range areas, Dethman said, the motorist is liable to pay for the loss of the animal, as well as damage to their vehicle.

Dethman noted that the cows “didn’t have a brand or ear tags – nothing on who they belonged to.”