Oklahoma Cattle Ranchers Help Round Up Livestock After Crash

Several area ranchers are still trying to catch the last few heads of cattle that got loose when a semi-truck crashed at the I-44 and 244 junctions in West Tulsa.

Some of those ranchers have been out all night trying to catch the loose cattle.

Ranchers say they caught several heads of cattle right in the area where the accident happened, but some of the livestock got loose and were found in nearby neighborhoods and even running around on the Page Belcher golf course.

"They don't want to be around us and the traffic and the noise,” said Muskogee County Rancher, Wayne Clay, “This is all new to them too."

Related Story: Officers, Cowboys Wrangle Loose Cattle After Truck Crashes Along I-44

Rancher Wayne Clay says he was in bed last night when he got the call about the cattle truck overturning. Clay, his horse, Cruiser, and three other Muskogee County ranchers spent the day tracking down loose cattle, even catching one at Bob Hurley RV.

"The first one I caught was on 244 just past I44 there, then we caught some by the QuikTrip,” said Clay. “It's been in about a five-mile circle."

OHP Troopers say the semi-driver got confused at the I-44 and 2-44 split in West Tulsa and swerved too fast, causing the truck to overturn. The driver is okay, but more than 100 head of cattle got out and were running on the highway and in nearby neighborhoods, including Anne Smith's front yard.

“We've never had cows,” said Smith. “We've had deer and other things but we've never had cows before.”

Smith hadn't heard about the crash, but the principal at a nearby school helped her call OHP and Sooner Emergency Services. She says the ranchers worked quickly and she’s thankful she has a fenced-in yard.

"I sent my son a text and said I think I've got seven cows and four cowboys out here in my yard! How cool is that?” said Smith.

Clay's ranch is near Checotah and he says he's been running cattle his entire life.

He says when the animals get loose, they usually try to go somewhere quiet and hide, so the Tulsa Police Department was a big help.

"There were helicopters with lights and they were shutting down the traffic and we were able to ease around and get it done pretty easy," said Clay.

The ranchers are taking the cattle to a ranch in Muskogee. At last check, there are still a few loose, so if you see any, you're asked to call 918-627-0440.