In a scene worthy of an old western film, a group of cowboys, along with Texas law enforcement, rescued about 200 cattle on Sunday after they became stranded by flooding in the Trinity River.
When nearly 1,800 acres of dry land dwindled down to 50 as a result of severe flooding in Dayton, a heard of cattle became surrounded by water at the Liberty Bell Ranch with no escape, KPRC reports.
So, law enforcement and the group of cowboys led the animals more than 70 miles, swimming and walking, away from the rising, alligator infested waters, KHOU reports.
‘This is something,’ Ricky Brown told KHOU. ‘It’s really a taste of the Old West coming back in here.’
Many Dayton locals gathered along Highway 90, bringing trucks, snacks, and tents to watch the large herd go by, according to KHOU.
The journey began around 7am on Sunday, just days after local authorities began mulling over how to rescue the animals as the flood waters closed in.
The larger cattle were steered through the water to a rail yard and others were driven to safety in air boats, KPRC reports.
After many hours, the herd of cattle made its way both through the town and Highway 146, according to KHOU.
‘Everybody just wants to be a part of this,’ Brown said. ‘This is something that hasn’t happened in probably 200 years.’
An official with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office told KHOU that the cattle will stay at the rail yard until the Trinity River’s water levels go down.
Locals: Many Dayton locals gathered along Highway 90 bringing trucks, snacks, and tents to watch the large herd go by
Hero: Landowners and police officers took part in the rescue as Texas still continues to struggle with record breaking rains and floods
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