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Mabel the cow settling into farm life after two months on the loose in Bellingham

The brown bovine is not accepting visitors for the time being

Mabel the brown cow was captured Friday, Oct. 18 by Whatcom Humane Society staff and volunteers after two months on the loose. She is now at WHS's farm facility. (Photo courtesy of Whatcom Humane Society )
By Annie Todd Criminal Justice/Enterprise Reporter

Mabel the brown cow is settling into her new pasture at the Whatcom Humane Society’s farm facility after being captured over the weekend in Bellingham.

The cow, who was on the loose for more than two months after escaping a trailer during a transport in August, was captured by WHS staff and volunteers late Friday evening, Oct. 18.

“[Mabel] is slowly starting to trust our farm caretaker, is curious but cautious,” said Laura Clark, the executive director of WHS. “She is very interested in the horses at the farm and seems to be relaxing.”

On Aug. 10, Bellingham Police received a report of two cows near the intersection of East Sunset Drive and Hannegan Road who had gotten loose from a livestock trailer. As officers attempted their best roping efforts, the cows escaped and split up. The second cow was captured late that night.

During Mabel’s two months on the lam, which sparked the 2024 Great Bellingham Cow Hunt saga, she made a home in Barkley neighborhood and was frequently spotted near Barkley Village and the movie theater. Her owners attempted to corral her a number of times but were unable to. Starting in early October, WHS took over cow wrangling duties.

Because of Mabel’s wariness around two-legged animals, WHS staff and volunteers built a loose enclosure attached to a livestock trailer near a feeding station to lure her in. On Friday, Mabel wandered into the enclosure area and activated a trip wire so the enclosure door shut securely behind her. Staff and volunteers coaxed her into the trailer before transporting her to the farm facility.

On social media, WHS has posted videos of Mabel cautiously approaching a caretaker holding a bowl of apples, grain and molasses.

Mabel will remain at the farm facility for the foreseeable future, Clark said. WHS will then determine the best course of action for finding Mabel’s forever home. The humane society plans to work with farm sanctuaries and other animal welfare groups.

Clark said some of Mabel’s neighbors from Barkley are planning to visit her when WHS approves of it.


“We don’t want to stress her out with visitors other than our staff and volunteer caretakers,” she said.

Annie Todd is CDN’s criminal justice/enterprise reporter; reach her at annietodd@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 130.

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