HUMBOLDT COUNTY – On March 6, 2023, The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office announced that with the help of the California Office of Emergency Services, and other local, state and federal assistance, a response to cattle starving in areas stranded due to recent storms.

The record-breaking winter storms impacting California left mountain roads across Humboldt County impassable for more than a week, cutting off ranchers from their animals. With cattle beginning to starve, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Cal OES and other local officials put together a response plan and requested the United States Coast Guard for assistance.

Alongside partners at CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit, a Sector Humboldt Bay aircrew began air-dropping bales of hay to remote mountain fields to sustain the cattle until roads can be cleared. Despite challenging weather and bands of snow squalls moving through the area, the crew was able to reach six different fields and deliver 14 bales of hay to the hungry cows, with more scheduled as the weather clears.

“The emergency services professionals at Cal OES are beyond resourceful and rise to the emergencies that present themselves.  We thank them for their service. We know 2023 has already presented many challenges and emergency responses.  Californians are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of public safety professionals,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.