Watch: Firefighters rescue California farm animals from feet of mud
Feet of mud trapped 17 large farm animals after inches of rain fell from California's latest storms. The San Bernardino County Fire Department lifted, pulled and dragged the animals to safety.
Watch: Fire department pulls cows and bulls out of feet of mud
The San Bernardino County Fire Department and Animal Control pulled, dragged and carried 17 large animals from a farm where they were trapped in feet of mud.
MUSCOY, Calif. – The San Bernardino County Fire Department was called to an animal rescue Wednesday after 17 large farm animals were trapped in mud.
The 12th atmospheric river-fueled storm of the season dumped inches of rain on the already saturated farm pens leading to cows, horses and bulls being trapped in feet of mud. The cows and bulls were wading through thick mud up to their bellies.
One animal died, officials said.
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Take a look at the cow in the center of the picture. She tried to step off the sheet and immediately sunk to her shoulder. (San Bernardino County Fire / FOX Weather)
About two dozen fire and animal control personnel were able to pull some of the stuck animals to solid ground. Crews had to load the cows and bulls onto a large, rigid sheet and slide the animal across the soft mud.
Spreading the animal's weight over a larger surface put less strain on it.
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Crews strapped some struggling animals to large, rigid sheets and dragged them out of the mud to a trailer. (San Bernardino County Fire / FOX Weather)
The cows were seen trying to shake free of the restraints, while their mud-caked bodies pulled against the rescuers.
Crews were able to rescue six of the animals before calling in heavy equipment. A skid steer loader had to clear a path for 11 more animals.
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Animal control took the large animals to a local animal shelter to be examined by a veterinarian.
The storm hit the rest of California hard as well with strong winds, flooding rain and mountain snow. Mile after mile of farmland lie underwater after record rains overpowered levees. Landslides blocked roads and kept the California Department of Transportation busy.
BOMB CYCLONE KILLS AT LEAST 5 IN CALIFORNIA AS STORM BATTERS STATE WITH TORNADOES, STRONG WINDS