Visitors Capture Photos of Rare Sighting in Oklahoma’s Parallel Forest

Visitors to one of the most popular hiking spots in Oklahoma captured photos of a rare sighting in the famous parallel forest. While it may be rare to see these animals in this particular part of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, it's common to see all types of wildlife throughout the entire state.

First Time Refuge Visitors Experience One Of A Kind Moment in Oklahoma's Parallel Forest.

On Saturday, Mar. 8, 2025, Tim and Nikki Szejbach found themselves at the Parallel Forest in southwest Oklahoma. There, they spotted the famous herd of longhorn cattle triapsing through the trees. Although the longhorns are commonly found throughout the refuge, they're usually found in the wide open spaces or farther along in the brush by the mountains.

The Szejbachs had plans to visit other parts of the refuge, but Oklahoma was seeing enough rain that day that other trails had to be closed. Fortunately, they found themselves in the right place at the right time. "We got there and it was still pretty rainy," Nikki said, "but we wanted to walk in the forest for a bit anyways, and that’s when we [saw] the whole herd of longhorns."

Luckily, the Szejbachs knew better than to get too close to the animals, despite the fact that "a couple of them were pretty curious" about them.

Read More: Don't Touch The Fluffy Cows!

The sight was unique for anyone whose ever been to the parallel forest; let alone visitors who happened to be visiting the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge for the very first time from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

After visiting, they're already planning a second trip. "It was a lovely trip," Nikki told us,  "can’t wait to come back with the kids!"

More Beautiful Trails on Oklahoma's Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge

Luckily, the Parallel Forest is just one of several sights to see across the 60,000 acres of land on the Wildlife Refuge. There are 8 widely known and traversed trails that range from beginner level hikes to difficult boulder-hopping trails.

Read More: The Most Beautiful Hiking Trails on The Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge