One of three wild cows found on North Core Banks of Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina following Hurricane Dorian. Courtesy, Jeff West, National Park Service
A bit of post-Thanksgiving thanks for the survival instinct and resiliency of all creatures great and small. A few stray cows have been discovered wandering around Cape Lookout National Seashore in North Carolina. Officials believe they were swept up in a “mini-tsunami” on nearby Cedar Island that carried them out to sea. About 20 cows and 28 wild horses were found dead there after Hurricane Dorian struck the Outer Banks on September 6. Much of the wildlife on Cedar island was lost that day but a fateful trio of cows managed to find their way back to land – approximately 3 to 4 miles away – one month later.
They were spotted grazing harmlessly on the Outer Banks and there are currently plans being made to relocate the cows back to Cedar Island. It’s believed that they were still close enough to land that Dorian’s storm surge helped carry them safely back to shore. These cows have a lot to be thankful for given the fact that many of the rest of their herd did not survive.
Whether it can be chalked up to their own survival skills or simple luck, this thanksgiving we’re thankful for their survival and their story – and for everyone we get to share their story with!
See you on the trail,
Lisa
LMA Newsletter of 12-2-19
