This Startling Accident Happens in Oklahoma More Than You Think

Storm season is at its peak here in Oklahoma and with storms usually comes lightning. Many of us have a plan in place for our family and a small portion of belongings to stay safe, but the story usually isn't the same for animals left outdoors. Animals like cattle, horses and other livestock are susceptible to an unfortunate reality that they could be struck by lightning.

According to metoffice.org, "lightning strikes the earth 1,400,000,000 times a year, or 44 strikes every second" around the world. It is known as one of the most common occurences in mother nature. That being said, it isn't an "unheard of" idea for animals to be outside at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Recently, after the storms passing through the central United States, many people have had their animals unfortunately pass away due to lightning, including this family in Sterling, Oklahoma.

Many others included stories of their own losses here in Oklahoma, as well.

The comments originally came as a reponse to a popular post on Facebook from a South Dakota family who lost her mare to lightning a few days prior.

Although there are not many scientific studies on animals being struck by lightning, you can still find recounts of incidents with animals having singe marks, burnt hair and/or blood-filled orfices - all as a result of the lightning strike.

You would think that taking shelter under a tree could provide coverage, but actually this is one of the worst ideas for outdoors animals. Just like in this case in Florida, when lightning strikes a tree, the charge can actually affect the animals below. Because, in fact, lightning does not strike a point - it strikes an area, according to John Jensenius from the National Weather Service.

For outdoor animals, their best bet is to take shelter in an indoor space, but we realize how difficult that is for people with 200 or more head of cattle to manage. For those that are considering owning large animals or outdoor animals, consider ALL of the factors beforehand. And if you can provide a safe shelter for your large animals, you should.