Last Updated on June 1, 2026 6:59 pm
A cow's Thursday afternoon adventure ended with a mud pit rescue in Avery County, as the Linville-Central Rescue Squad, Linville Volunteer Fire Department, and Avery County's livestock agent teamed up to free the animal and get her back on solid ground.
The rescue squad and fire department were notified Thursday by Avery County 911 Communications after a cow had escaped her pasture and become stuck in deep mud during her wanderings.
Avery County Livestock Agent Michelle Cuthbertson South accompanied crews on the call and provided guidance on how to safely handle and maneuver the animal without causing injury. Rescuers used boards and strapping to work the cow out of the muddy terrain and eventually got her back on her feet and moving.
The rescue squad noted the call was outside their usual line of work but said everyone pulled together to get the cow out of her predicament and back to greener pasture.
Photos: Linville-Central Rescue Squad
