Poudre Fire Authority Rescues Cow Trapped in Mud on Grey Rock Drive
Poudre Fire Authority's specialized large animal rescue team successfully freed a cow stuck in mud up to her hips during an emergency response on Grey Rock Drive.
The cow, nicknamed Miss Big Moo, was rescued by Battalion 1, Tower 1, Engine 12, UCHealth personnel, and PFA's specially trained Large Animal Rescue Team (LART) crew. The rescue operation required specialized animal lifting straps and assistance from Import Towing to safely extract the animal from the muddy ditch.
Miss Big Moo was left in the care of her owner and a veterinarian who responded to the scene, according to the fire authority's social media announcement.
The rescue highlights the specialized capabilities of PFA's Large Animal Rescue Team, which requires members to complete Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER) training beyond standard firefighter certification. This specialized training covers risk analysis, animal handling under stress, technical rope operations, mud and water rescue, and proper use of rescue equipment, according to fire service training documentation.
Large animal rescue incidents occur infrequently but present complex challenges for emergency responders. The most common scenarios include animals trapped in mud or water, livestock involved in trailer accidents, and animals requiring extrication from barn fires or other hazardous situations.
PFA maintains technician-level response capability with at least four trained personnel per shift and a dedicated equipment cache specifically for large animal emergencies. The training typically costs between $1,000 to $2,100 per responder, with specialized equipment requiring additional investment.
During large animal rescue operations, emergency responders must coordinate closely with property owners and licensed veterinarians while prioritizing human life safety. Veterinary involvement is critical for medical assessment, sedation if necessary, and determining appropriate animal welfare decisions during rescue operations.
The Poudre Fire Authority serves northern Larimer County and maintains mutual aid agreements with other agencies, including Loveland Fire Rescue Authority, which also operates a certified large animal rescue program. These specialized teams can be requested through dispatch protocols when technical expertise is needed for complex animal rescue situations.
Grey Rock Drive is located in a rural area of Larimer County where livestock and large animals are common, making specialized rescue capabilities essential for emergency response services.