Anytime of the year, drivers need to be aware of animals crossing the roadways.

Especially this time of year, deer are more prevalent, but one thing that doesn’t cross your mind is watching out for stray cattle.

Following the one vehicle accident on Tuesday morning in which the driver hit seven, 600-pound stray calves is the most that Greene County Sheriff Steve Haupert has ever had to report.

In fact, according to the sheriff’s records, there have been 13 stray cattle calls with cattle either on the roadway or on the side of the road since October 1st, which Haupert notes is quite high.

In the particular case on Tuesday morning incident, Haupert states that since the cattle that were hit were calves, they weren’t tall enough to get to the windshield of the totaled vehicle and the occupants were wearing their seat belts at the time.

However, Haupert doesn’t know why there are so many stray cattle calls reported in the last month, but something needs to be done so that the cattle are prevented from escaping.  He points out that if you see stray cattle, you are to contact the Law Enforcement Center in Jefferson at 515-386-2136.