Ungulate Invasion

Lately I've been looking out the window from time to time to see if geese from the lake have come up to the bird feeders. I don't like the mess they leave so I'm trying to discourage them from grazing too close to the house.

Yesterday I glanced out the window and was surprised to see larger animals grazing there!

I called to my husband to come see the sheep! He thought I said geese and was puzzled that I sounded excited. I grabbed my camera and went to the window.

The little herd moved away as soon as they saw me. I took a few pictures and then called Animal Control at the sheriff's office. My theory was that the animals had escaped from a farm on Richardson Road.

By the time the Animal Control officer located the farmer and he showed up in his pickup truck, the herd had disappeared in the direction of the dam. The farm is just past there, across a little creek and a fence.

The farmer's son located the animals among the trees across the dam. He tried to get them to go through the fence but there was no opening at that point. Suddenly they reappeared and thundered along the top of the dam, followed by the farmer's little dog!

I don't usually post two views so similar but I think you should get a closer look at the herd dashing along. Click on the picture to see it full-size.

The son reported that the animals found the opening in the fence and headed home! He and his dad blocked the gap in the fence. The son followed the animals and the farmer and the dog went back to the truck and went home.

We had sleet and ice later that day so I'm glad the animals got home safely.