A calf was stranded on a railroad bridge above a street in Ashland, Ohio.
According to Ashland County Pictures, the railroad alerted police and firefighters so the animal could be removed from the dangerous situation.
Officers found the calf stuck in gaps in the tracks. It was on uneven footing high above the road, and any attempt to move it could have made the situation worse.
Here's what to know
To give the animal a flat surface, the Ashland Police Division and Ashland Fire Department covered openings with sheets of plywood, creating a temporary path the calf could use to get off the tracks, the outlet reported.
Once that improvised route was in place, the team used a rope to pull the calf out from between the railroad ties. After the animal was unstuck, focus shifted to guiding it onto safer footing.
At first, the calf seemed willing to go along with the rescue, but that changed.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
A trailer had been called in to transport the calf once it was off the bridge, and that final step turned out to be the most difficult, per Ashland County Pictures. The rescue turned into a brief standoff as first responders coaxed the stubborn calf into the transport trailer.
The rescue ended successfully, with officers and firefighters getting the animal off the bridge and into the trailer.
What can be done?
The railroad workers did the correct thing when they called the police. Handling a cow can be dangerous for humans and the animal. Police and firefighters have training and equipment that is designed for such situations.
Since an animal on a bridge may create dangerous situations, awareness could be the best defense. If authorities don't know about a trapped animal, then they can't help.
Everyone made it through the situation without harm.
Where can I learn more?
Other animal rescues show how dangerous unusual situations can be.
• In Boyle County, firefighters launched a dramatic boat rescue after a cow became stranded in a lake.
• In Butler County, deputies chased a runaway goat after it vaulted onto an SUV roof.
• In California, a daring bridge rescue unfolded when an opossum halted traffic on a major span.
• In England, crews mounted a delicate rescue after a pony wedged itself into a tractor tire.
• Wildlife hospital staff used trial and error to free a fox cub from bitumen.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
