Loose Cow Closes Ohio Highway for Over an Hour

COLUMBUS, Ohio — November 21, 2025 — Traffic on a major Ohio highway was disrupted for more than an hour Thursday after a cow escaped and wandered onto the roadway, prompting officials to close all lanes in one direction while responders worked to safely remove the animal.

According to authorities, the incident occurred on a state highway in central Ohio during the late morning. The cow was spotted loose on the road, creating a hazard for drivers and necessitating a temporary shutdown of traffic to prevent accidents.

Emergency personnel, including local law enforcement and animal control officers, responded to the scene to contain the situation. The lanes remained closed for approximately 70 minutes as responders carefully guided the cow off the highway and into a secure area.

Officials said no injuries were reported, and traffic resumed normal flow once the animal was removed. The source of the cow’s escape was not immediately clear, and authorities indicated they were investigating how the animal got loose.

The closure affected commuters and drivers in the area, causing delays during the busy mid-morning period. Authorities urged motorists to use alternate routes while the highway was closed and to exercise caution in the vicinity.

Incidents involving livestock on roadways are relatively uncommon but can pose significant safety risks. Law enforcement agencies typically work quickly to clear such obstructions to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.

This event highlights the importance of secure fencing and containment measures for farm animals near roadways. Officials encouraged local farmers and property owners to regularly inspect enclosures to prevent similar occurrences.

The highway reopened fully after the cow was safely removed, and traffic returned to normal without further incident. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are coordinating with local animal control to prevent future escapes.