Bull on the Loose Temporarily Disrupts Traffic in Essex County

Essex County, NY — A routine patrol took an unexpected turn on March 1 when an Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) encountered a loose bull near a busy roadway in the Town of Ticonderoga.

While patrolling Route 22, ECO McCarthy observed the bull wandering close to traffic, creating a potential hazard for motorists. Acting quickly, the officer used his patrol vehicle to safely block traffic and prevent an accident while assessing the situation.

With assistance from the animal’s owner, ECO McCarthy improvised a solution by using a boat line as a makeshift lasso. The officer and owner were able to guide, collar, and safely return the bull to its pasture without injury to the animal or disruption beyond the brief traffic stop.

There was no immediate indication as to how the bull escaped its enclosure. Officials and the animal’s owner commended ECO McCarthy for his quick thinking and calm handling of the situation, jokingly praising his impromptu “cowboy” skills.

Authorities reminded livestock owners of the importance of secure fencing, particularly near roadways, to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety.

A bull escapes its pasture in the Town of Ticonderoga, Essex County

Sources: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/3/environmental-conservation-police-on-patrol