Denver, Colorado serves as the epicenter for investigating one of America's most enduring mysteries: unexplained livestock deaths across the western United States. The phenomenon gained national attention through Emmy-winning investigative journalist Linda Moulton Howe's groundbreaking work at CBS Denver, where she documented over 10,000 reported cases across multiple states. Denver's location in the high plains, at approximately 5,280 feet elevation, positioned it as a natural hub for investigating incidents that stretched from Colorado's eastern plains to the Rocky Mountain foothills. The city became synonymous with serious scientific inquiry into cattle mutilation reports that peaked during the 1970s and 1980s.
First widely publicized case of unexplained livestock death reported in Colorado
Colorado investigates over 200 reported cattle mutilation cases statewide
Linda Moulton Howe's documentary A Strange Harvest wins Emmy Award, bringing national attention to the phenomenon
FBI releases official report on cattle mutilation investigations across western states
“In September of 1979, I was director of special projects at the cbs station in denver, colorado. And late in that summer, there were headlines in the denver post and the rocky mountain news about bloodless, trackless animal mutilations in colorado and surrounding states.”
“In September of 1979, I was director of special projects at the cbs station in denver, colorado. And late in that summer, there were headlines in the denver post and the rocky mountain news about bloodless, trackless animal mutilations in colorado and surrounding states.”
The cattle mutilation phenomenon represents a unique intersection of forensic investigation and unexplained occurrences that began receiving serious scientific attention in the 1970s. Linda Moulton Howe's investigative work, based at Denver's CBS affiliate KMGH-TV, established the first systematic documentation of these incidents. Her approach involved consulting with veterinarians, law enforcement officials, and forensic pathologists to analyze physical evidence from affected livestock.
Howe's methodology included detailed photographic documentation, tissue sampling, and interviews with ranchers across Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and surrounding states. Her investigation culminated in the 1980 documentary A Strange Harvest, which won a Regional Emmy Award and brought national attention to the phenomenon. The documentary presented evidence that challenged conventional explanations such as predator attacks or cult activity.
The scientific community has remained divided on the explanations for these incidents. Official investigations by the FBI and various state agencies have generally attributed the phenomena to natural causes, including predator scavenging and environmental factors. However, researchers like Howe have maintained that certain physical characteristics—including the precision of incisions and the apparent absence of blood—remain inadequately explained by conventional theories.
The Denver-based investigations established protocols for documenting and analyzing unexplained livestock deaths that continue to influence research methodology today. While the peak period of reported incidents occurred in the 1970s and 1980s, occasional cases continue to be reported across the American West, with researchers applying forensic techniques developed during the initial wave of investigations.
Linda Moulton Howe's documentary A Strange Harvest was one of the first mainstream media productions to apply rigorous journalistic standards to unexplained phenomena
The term 'cattle mutilation' became widely used following the Colorado investigations of the 1970s
Denver's high altitude and clear skies have made it a hub for various aerial phenomena research beyond livestock investigations
The FBI's official cattle mutilation investigation file contains over 300 pages of documentation from cases across the western United States
Denver offers several locations connected to the cattle mutilation investigations, including the former CBS Denver studios where Howe conducted her research. The Colorado History Museum occasionally features exhibits on unexplained phenomena in Colorado history. Visitors interested in the broader context can explore the Colorado plains where many incidents were reported.
Denver itself is the major metropolitan center, with Colorado Springs approximately 70 miles south.
Denver is accessible year-round, though spring through fall offers the best weather for exploring the surrounding plains areas where many incidents occurred. Winter visits should account for potential weather delays.
Roswell
Another major site associated with unexplained phenomena and government investigations in the American Southwest
White Sands Proving Ground
Military testing facility in New Mexico where advanced aerospace technologies have been developed and tested
Tunguska explosion site
Remote location of unexplained destructive event that, like cattle mutilations, has generated theories about advanced unknown technologies