A lonely cow found wandering along the shoulder of northbound I-405 in Kirkland is getting an unexpected layover at a state maintenance yard while crews try to track down her herd.
State crews first spotted the cow on Feb. 5 along northbound I-405 just south of NE 116th Street and pulled over to help. According to transportation officials, they coaxed her off the freeway and escorted her to a nearby maintenance facility. In photos shared later, the cow looks calm, uninjured and very much like she has no idea she is now local news.
Since the rescue, the cow has been cared for at the yard while workers try to figure out where she came from and who might be missing a bovine. On March 5, Washington State Department of Transportation staff shared photos of their unexpected guest and put out a public call for help identifying her.
Our crew spotted this lonely little cow on the shoulder of NB I-405 just south of 116th in Kirkland on Feb. 5 and our crew brought it to safety. She's currently hanging out at the shop until we find her herd. Recognize this cow? Let us know so we can help her find her way home. https://x.com/i/status/2029352629785248157
WSDOT Posts Photos Asking for ID
In a post on X, WSDOT said its crew "brought it to safety" after spotting the cow on Feb. 5, adding that she is "hanging out at the shop until we find her herd." The social post shows images of the cow inside a maintenance yard and asks anyone who recognizes her to reply to the thread so staff can reach out. That post serves as the main public account of how the rescue unfolded.
How Neighbors Can Help
Livestock owners in Kirkland and nearby communities are being urged to take a close look at the shared photos and flag the post if they recognize the animal or know who might own her. Officials say their top priority is reuniting the cow with her owner and arranging safe transport once someone steps forward.
In the meantime, transportation officials are reminding drivers on I-405 to stay alert in work and construction zones, where unexpected hazards can appear, animal or otherwise.
Where It Happened
The cow was discovered on the shoulder of northbound I-405 just south of NE 116th Street, near active interchange work around NE 85th and the Totem Lake area. Anyone who thinks they might recognize the animal or believe they may own her is asked to respond to the agency's social media post so crews can start coordinating a reunion.
According to department staff, the cow will remain at the maintenance yard until an owner is located.
