KENT, Conn. — A Scottish Highland bull is making waves in the small rural town of Kent, Connecticut, after escaping its enclosure over a month ago and enduring the frigid winter temperatures. The animal has been spotted sporadically by locals, including a recent sighting just over the town line in New Milford.
Ongoing Search for the Bull
Lee Sohl, the animal control officer in Kent, said the bull has been elusive, with residents regularly reporting sightings. When someone spots the bull, Sohl is informed and immediately contacts the owner, Jo Ann Joray, who has been attempting to track down the animal.
“It’s hard in this weather, and it’s very scared,” Sohl said in a phone interview on Thursday. Despite ongoing efforts, Jo Ann Joray and others have struggled to capture the bull.
Mixed Reactions from Locals
The sight of the bull has caught the attention of residents, many of whom have posted photos on social media. Reactions have been mixed, with some expressing sympathy for the animal’s predicament, while others find it endearing. One comment humorously suggested the bull could make good steaks.
As Sohl noted, stray farm animals are not uncommon in the area. “Cows, horses, and goats get loose on occasion,” she explained. “That’s just where we live.”
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A Nod to Buddy the Beefalo
The bull’s journey has brought back memories of Buddy the beefalo, a bison hybrid who escaped from a slaughterhouse in central Connecticut back in 2020. Buddy spent months roaming the woods before being captured and moved to a sanctuary in Florida.
Hardy Breed with Winter Resilience
The Scottish Highland breed is well known for its hardiness, able to withstand harsh weather conditions year-round. According to the Highland Cattle Society in Scotland, this is fortunate for the Connecticut bull, as temperatures have remained below freezing for several days, allowing the animal to survive outdoors in the winter months.
Despite the cold, the search for the runaway bull continues, as residents and animal control officers work together to bring it back to safety.
