Michigan State Police Wrangle Escaped Longhorn in Barry County

Troopers add 'longhorn wrangler' to their growing list of animal rescue skills.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a Texas longhorn's horn, the dramatic lighting and stark black background creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the unexpected nature of this police rescue operation.A recent wave of unusual animal rescue calls has expanded the Michigan State Police's skill set to include 'longhorn wrangler'.Wayland Today

Michigan State Police troopers responded to a report of an escaped Texas longhorn in Barry County and, with the help of the animal's owner, were able to safely corral the large bovine back to its enclosure. This is the latest in a string of unusual animal rescue calls the MSP has responded to in recent months, including freeing a bald eagle, rescuing a deer, and locating a missing donkey.

Why it matters

While not a typical police call, the Michigan State Police have demonstrated their versatility and commitment to public safety by responding to a variety of animal-related emergencies in their jurisdiction. These rescues highlight the diverse range of situations law enforcement officers can encounter and their ability to adapt and assist the community, even when the call involves an escaped longhorn.

The details

In a video posted by the MSP Fifth District, troopers can be seen working with the longhorn's owner to safely guide the large animal back into its enclosure after receiving a report of an escape. The troopers joked that they are 'basically running a wildlife rodeo at this point' given the string of unusual animal rescue calls they have responded to in recent months, including freeing a bald eagle, rescuing a deer, and locating a missing donkey.

  • The longhorn escape incident occurred on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • In late January 2026, Michigan State Police helped locate and rescue a missing donkey named Dolly Parton.
  • In February 2026, Michigan State Police rescued a deer that got hung up while trying to jump over someone's fence.

The players

Michigan State Police

The state law enforcement agency responsible for responding to the escaped longhorn incident and other recent animal rescue calls in Michigan.

Longhorn Owner

The owner of the escaped Texas longhorn who assisted the Michigan State Police in safely corralling the animal back into its enclosure.

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What they’re saying

“Troopers are now basically running a wildlife rodeo at this point.”

— Michigan State Police

The takeaway

The Michigan State Police have demonstrated their versatility and commitment to public safety by responding to a variety of unexpected animal-related emergencies, from freeing a bald eagle to rescuing a deer and locating a missing donkey. These rescues highlight the diverse range of situations law enforcement officers can encounter and their ability to adapt and assist the community, even when the call involves an escaped longhorn.