Exploding Cows In Aspen?

Colorado Forest Service Considers Blowing Up Frozen Cows

Aspen, CO – During a snow storm this past fall, several cows apparently froze to death after wandering into an abandoned ranger’s station in search of shelter. Now the problem has become how to get rid of the carcasses before they thaw, and three options have been proposed: blowing the cows up, burning down the cabin, or hauling them out by helicopter or truck.

Because helicopters would be too expensive and trucks would harm the natural wilderness in the area, it appears that the only viable options are burning down the cabin or blowing the cows up with explosives.

“Obviously, time is of the essence because we don’t want them defrosting,” said Steve Segin, U.S. Forest Service spokesman. Officials are concerned that if the cows thaw and start decomposing, the rotting flesh may contaminate the hot springs in the area.

This is, however, not the first time the Forest Service has been faced with this decision. Apparently they use explosives to blow up any animal carcass they find and can’t retrieve.

“We’ve used them [explosives] as a means of disposal to remove dead horses, elk and other animals in areas where it’s impossible to get them out,” he said.

Michael Carroll, spokesman for the Wilderness Society in Colorado, has praised the efforts of the Forest Service for trying to remove the animals with the least amount of damage to the surrounding area.

“They need to use the minimal tool to get the job done. They don’t want to leave the land scarred,” he said.

There is no word on how explosives would be less damaging to the land then using a truck. Then again, we’re no backcountry experts.

Read more at the Associated Press and Grist.