Cows in Texas had their tongues, genitals, and anuses removed with 'precision' cuts but there was no blood left behind at the bizarre scenes, officials say
- Six cows were found dead in a mysterious scene in Madison County, Texas, officials said.
- The cows had their tongues removed, and two had their anuses and genitals removed with "precision."
Six cattle were found dead in suspicious scenes across Madison County, Texas, this week — each with their tongues removed and no signs of a struggle, according to officials.
Madison County Sheriff's Department officials said in a statement posted to Facebook on Wednesday that each of the six cows had been found lying on its side, deceased, and mutilated. The first cow, a 6-year-old longhorn, was found by its owners on their ranch.
"A straight, clean cut, with apparent precision, had been made to remove the hide around the cow's mouth on one side, leaving the meat under the removed hide untouched," the statement read. "The tongue was also completely removed from the body with no blood spill. It was noted there were no signs of struggle and the grass around the cow was undisturbed. No footprints or tire tracks were noted in the area. "
While officials were investigating the first cow's death, reports of four additional adult cows and one yearling in similar condition were reported across Brazos County as well as Robertson County — each incident occurring in different locations, pastures, and herds, with no signs of a disturbance nearby.
"On two of the five cows, a circular cut was made removing the anus and the external genitalia. This circular cut was made with the same precision as the cuts noted around the jaw lines of each cow," the Madison County Sheriff's Department statement continued, adding: "Just like the first, there were no signs of struggle or disturbance in the grass, no blood spill, and no noticeable tracks. No predators or birds would scavenge the remains for several weeks after death."
Representatives for the Madison County Sheriff's Department declined Insider's request for comment.
A similar incident in Oregon was reported in 2019 by the Associated Press. Five bulls were found, drained of blood and missing their tongues and genitals, prompting theories about their deaths ranging from alien abduction to the occult.
"Personally, I would lean more toward the occult, where people for whatever reason — whether it's a phase of the moon or whatever rituals they're going to do with their beliefs — are coming to different areas and doing that," AP reported Harney County Sheriff's Deputy Dan Jenkins said of the Oregon incident.
In 2021, AP reported seven more cattle were found dead, missing their tongues, eyes, and blood.
It is unclear what may have caused the Texas cattle mutilations, though Madison County Sheriff's Department officials say an investigation is ongoing.