Danielle Ferguson, and John Hult

Argus Leader

About $45,000 worth of cattle was lost when lightning struck in McCook County Wednesday night, and the Moody County Sheriff’s Department is using it as an example to remind people the dangers of lightning.

A Moody County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page post Thursday showed dead cows surrounding a metal bale feeder that was struck by one bolt of lightning, killing all 21.

“This is a very strong reminder of what lightning can do,” the post, which has since garnered more than 35,000 shares as of Thursday evening, said. “If you start to see lightning and hear thunder, you need to get out of the open.”

The post reminded people to stay off of lakes and golf courses and other outdoor activities if possible during severe storms and that standing under a tree is also not a safe place.

McCook County Emergency Manager Brad Stiefvater said he'd never seen lightning do that much damage to livestock in his 39 years in the community. The strike took place at about 9 p.m. Wednesday, in the midst of strong rain and winds.

“The most you’d ever see is one or two in the pasture or under a tree,” Stiefvater said, noting that 21 cows killed at once is likely the most South Dakota's ever seen. He agreed that the viral photo shows the power of mother nature.

Stiefvater declined to offer the name of the farmer, whom he said isn't interested in any publicity.

The incident is not without precedent. In 2008, 52 cattle lined up along a wired fence were killed by a lightning strike in Uruguay. Another lightning strike killed 45 cows in Montana in 2014.

The National Lightning Safety Institute says when close to lightning to avoid water, high ground open spaces, metal objects including wires, fences, machinery, motors power tools and trees.

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- John Hult contributed to this report