Runaway Cows Wrangled, One ‘Rodeo Style,’ After Three-Day Escape from New Jersey Farm

The owners and neighborhood were relieved when two Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, cows returned home safely on Friday following a three-day trip. The three-year-old cream-colored Maggie and nine-month-old black Darla escaped after arriving at Little Rascals Farm.

Mandi Craig, farm co-owner with husband Ian, called the occurrence upsetting and remarkable. Craig called Maggie’s conduct “rodeo style.” She grew. Darla, the smaller cow, safely returned to a nearby horse farm after her temporary liberty.

After buying cows to enhance the farm’s herd, the couple smashed an electric fence barely established in. The owners quickly contacted friends, family, and neighbors to find the animals. In the forests near Ballamor Golf Club, volunteers tracked the cows using a drone for three days. The crew recovered two cows using thermal imaging.

Maggie requires better capture coordination. Volunteers roped her into a trailer from the golf course’s main driveway. Craig said many performed the unusual task, making the rescue a rodeo.

Despite obstacles, both cows returned home safely. Owners thanked the community for their support during the unexpected event. Because animals are unpredictable, a strong, cooperative community is essential.

Local authorities said such escapes are unusual but dangerous for cattle and humans near roadways. The Egg Harbor Township animal escape without injuries shows how community care can avoid injuries.

The Craig family will reassess their farm’s fence and containment to avoid escapes and protect their new acquisitions.

Sources: Local farm reports, Egg Harbor Township community updates, Atlantic County Animal Control notifications.