OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Four cows and a calf were killed by a lightning strike at a private Marion County breeding concern overnight on Saturday, May 23, 2026, according to reports by both the National Weather Service and Fox 35 Orlando.
Per the reports, the animals were standing under a tree on the property of Citra cattle breeder Lettelier Brangus when the tree was struck by lightning during Saturday night’s thunderstorm.
“Like the rest of Florida, we have been praying for rain,” read a social media post by the breeder, in part. “Unfortunately, with rain comes lightning, and today we woke up to a sight no cattle farmer ever wants to see.”
The NWS used the unfortunate incident to remind everyone in their own post that “NO place outside is safe during a thunderstorm.”
“REMEMBER: If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning,” read the NWS’s emoji-laden post. “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!”