URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — An unusual scene drew attention across the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Wednesday after a loose cow was spotted roaming campus.
According to the university, the cow got loose while being loaded onto a trailer at the College of Veterinary Medicine's Large Animal Clinic around 3:30 p.m.
The clinic is located on the south side of the university at 1008 W. Hazelwood Drive, across from the Japan House and the University of Illinois Arboretum.
The university said officials from VetMed, the College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences, and the Division of Public Safety followed the cow as it made its way through Mount Hope Cemetery south of campus, all the way north toward the campus grounds, eventually stopping near Foellinger Auditorium at the Main Quad.
Videos posted to social media showed the cow being recovered by crews. The university said the cow was recovered safely and sustained some "superficial injuries" during the incident, but did not require additional treatment. No people were hurt.
"Our priority is always the human treatment and well-being of animals in our care," University Director of Executive Communications and Issues Management Patrick Wade said. "We appreciate the quick and coordinated action of our campus teams in handling an unpredictable situation."
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