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Who — or what — is responsible for the strange mutilations of cattle in Oregon? CASE DETAILS  Cattle ranches spread across the vast landscape of Eastern Oregon. In 1967, tabloid newspapers explode when a horse named “Snippy” is found dead, mysteriously mutilated in Alamosa, Colorado. This case is the first public disclosure of livestock mutilation in the United States. Since the Snippy incident, ranchers have reported more than 10,000 similar cases across the U.S. Overwhelmingly, these mutilation cases center around cows on private cattle ranches. Those who study this disturbing phenomenon believe that a large number of cases are never reported to authorities, and estimate that the real number of mutilations in the United States is much higher.  The mutilated animals are often found in strange positions, with professional-looking incisions. In 2019, a wave of cattle mutilations sweeps across central and eastern Oregon. Since then, close to 20 mutilation cases have been reported by local journalists in the area, and counting. In some unfortunate instances, law enforcement dismisses the mutilations as the result of natural causes or wild animal attacks. The Oregon ranchers, whose livelihoods depend on the safety and health of their cattle herds, are insulted by this response. They know what it looks like when a cow is killed by a wild animal, and these mutilations are something different.  Deputy Jeremiah Holmes has dedicated himself to solving this phenomenon. The Oregon cattle mutilation scenes, like all mutilation cases, are as mysterious as they are unnerving. The cows are typically missing organs, such as the sex organs, eyes, ears, or even entire limbs. Laser-like incisions or wounds are found on the animals, and in some cases, the flesh has been removed, leaving behind perfectly bleached-white bone. The animals are usually found days after the crime has been committed, leaving little biological evidence to formally test. Despite the gruesome abuses against these animals, there is little to no blood discovered on or around the animals, suggesting that these crimes are being committed by someone, or something, with access to technology far beyond what the public has access to.  Inexplicably losing cattle can be a devastating financial loss for a rancher. However, one member of Oregon law enforcement, Jeremiah Holmes, a deputy in Wheeler County, is doing his best to track the mutilations in his jurisdiction. Holmes has worked on cattle ranches, and he’s seen these cases before. Crucially, he believes the ranchers. Holmes is certain that animals at the center of these attacks died unnaturally. However, in the wake of these mutilations, Holmes and the victimized ranchers are only left with questions. Who is committing these crimes? Some believe mutilations to be the work of a far-reaching satanic cult. Others wonder if UFOs are responsible. Ranchers are baffled as to how these mutilations are committed in the first place. What kinds of tools cut skin without spilling blood? But the biggest mystery of cattle mutilations is why. Why would anyone, or anything, mutilate cows…for decades? The ranchers of Oregon and their counterparts across the country hope to someday find out. Unlock more content at www.netflix.com/tudum/unsolved-mysteries. |
