Texas Longhorn Steer Corralled by Michigan State Police

Wandering bovine returned to owner after nighttime search in Barry County

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:06pm

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic Texas Longhorn cattle head repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the versatility of Michigan State Police in responding to a wide range of rural emergencies.A herd of Texas Longhorns may seem out of place in Michigan, but the state police proved adept at wrangling the wandering cattle back home.Wayland Today

Michigan State Police officers from the Wayland post wrangled a Texas Longhorn steer back into custody on April 8 in Barry County after the animal escaped from its owner. The cattle initially did not want to cooperate, but with the help of the owner, the steer was eventually steered back to its proper location.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the wide range of wildlife and farm animal calls that Michigan State Police troopers are sometimes asked to assist with, from rescuing injured owls to chasing loose horses, wallabies, and now a wandering Texas Longhorn steer.

The details

In the search, officers used flashlights at night to locate the steer, which initially ran away from the light. Whistles were used to try to get the animal's attention, and at one point an officer told the steer, "Nope, wrong way" as it fled. But with the cooperation of the owner, the Texas Longhorn was eventually corralled and returned to its proper place.

  • The incident occurred on April 8, 2026.

The players

Michigan State Police

The state police force that responded to the call about the wandering Texas Longhorn steer in Barry County.

Texas Longhorn Steer

The escaped cattle that Michigan State Police officers had to wrangle and return to its owner.

Owner

The person who owned the Texas Longhorn steer and assisted the Michigan State Police in corralling the animal back home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's coming towards you,”

— Officer

“Nope, wrong way.”

— Officer

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the diverse and unexpected calls that state police officers may have to respond to, from wildlife rescues to wrangling loose farm animals. It highlights the versatility and adaptability required of law enforcement in serving their communities.