Cows Escape Trailer, Block Traffic on New York State Thruway

Three cows wandered onto the highway, causing a chaotic scene as authorities and owners tried to corral them.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Three cows escaped from a livestock trailer parked on the shoulder of the New York State Thruway on Monday, wandering into the highway traffic and causing major delays as police, owners, and bystanders attempted to wrangle the animals.

Why it matters

Incidents involving livestock on major highways are uncommon but can pose serious risks to both the animals and drivers. This case highlights the challenges authorities face in quickly and safely removing wandering animals from busy roadways.

The details

The trailer was stopped due to a mechanical issue when the three cows escaped and began moving back and forth between the roadway and median, evading capture. Two of the cows were quickly rounded up, but the third managed to avoid authorities for some time before its owners were able to secure it.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • The cows escaped from the trailer around 3:12 PM local time.

The players

New York State Police

The state police force that responded to the incident and worked to corral the escaped cows.

New York State Thruway Authority

The agency that manages the New York State Thruway and warned of ongoing traffic delays following the incident.

Livestock trailer owners

The owners of the trailer from which the cows escaped, who assisted in recapturing the animals.

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What’s next

The New York State Thruway Authority reported that traffic delays persisted in the area as a result of the incident, as crews worked to fully clear the scene.

The takeaway

This unusual incident on a major highway highlights the challenges authorities face in quickly and safely removing wandering livestock from busy roadways, underscoring the need for robust safety protocols and coordination between agencies to mitigate risks to both animals and drivers.