Page 10 of The Secret Mate Society

Third Livestock Mutilation Raises Concerns in Cumberland County

By Jake Harrison, Staff Reporter

CUMBERLAND COUNTY — A series of unexplained cattle mutilations in the rural outskirts of Portland has local authorities and farmers on edge, following the discovery of a third carcass in as many weeks.

Marcus Greer, owner of a small family-run farm located near the edge of the wooded lowlands outside town, contacted local law enforcement early Monday morning after finding one of his Black Angus cows dead under unusual circumstances.

According to the official report, the animal showed no signs of external struggle, fencing damage, or typical predator attack patterns.The carcass was found intact except for the apparent surgical removal of the liver and heart.No blood was found at the scene.

“Third cow this month,” Greer told reporters.“Can’t afford more losses like this.”

The incident mirrors two previous cases reported by Greer in February, all involving isolated kills and missing internal organs.Despite increased patrols in the area and wildlife surveillance, there have been no eyewitnesses, security footage, or tracks to explain the deaths.

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the investigation is ongoing but declined to speculate on the cause.“At this time, we’re evaluating all possibilities, including scavenger activity and human involvement,” said Lt.Harold Briggs.

Experts from the Maine Department of Agriculture visited the site Monday afternoon.While they acknowledged the precision of the organ removal was “unusual,” no definitive explanation has been provided.

Greer, whose family has farmed the land for over 60 years, says he’s never seen anything like it.“I’ve lost livestock before to coyotes and sickness, but not like this.No tracks, no blood, just...gone.”

Some residents have begun speculating about possible cult activity or animal experimentation, though officials have cautioned the public against jumping to conclusions.

As spring calving season approaches, local farmers are urging authorities to provide answers—and soon.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Cumberland County Agricultural Crimes Unit.

Chapter5

Ethan

It was a farm like many others in Maine.The dairy cattle were grazing on the hillside as I pulled up the long winding gravel driveway.Jake had called me out to that small farm, cutting my conversation with the handsome stranger called Calder short.But Jake sounded like he had something interesting this time.

Of course, I knew it was related to the animal attacks that I’d read about in the paper.He’d told me as much.In fact, it was the same farm mentioned in the article I’d slipped into the box of things I swore I’d never look at again.I’d already called my therapist and explained to her what was going on.After a long conversation filled with anxiety, she told me I wasn’t slipping back into old habits, but that I should use this as an opportunity to find a logical explanation for the attacks instead of a supernatural one.Besides, what were the chances the monster would attack a cow?The monster I knew liked to kill people, not cattle.

More importantly, I needed this job.My first month of rent was due soon and I still had expenses from the move to pay for.And with crime at an all time low, this was all we had to report about.Deadlines were coming up and I needed an article.We both did.So really, there was no other choice.

“Hey Ethan,” Jake called the moment I stepped out of my car.He was wearing a skin tight polo that made it difficult to look at anything but his face.“Find the place okay?”

“Yeah,” I nodded, grabbing my recorder from the passenger seat.I did everything I could to hide the blush burning on my cheeks.“Still getting used to these winding roads, but I only had to turn around once.”

Jake chuckled, his broad shoulders shifting beneath that too-tight shirt."Maine roads take some getting used to.Nothing like the grid system in the city, huh?"

I nodded, trying to focus on the job rather than how uncomfortable I felt around Jake.There was something about him that always put me on edge, though I couldn't place why.He'd been nothing but helpful since I'd started at the Portland Gazette.

"So, these attacks," I began."You mentioned there was something unusual about them?"

Jake's expression darkened."Follow me.The farmer, Marcus Greer, found another one this morning."

That was the same name from the article.My interest was piqued.We trudged up a small incline, past a weathered red barn.The smell hit me first—that coppery tang of blood mixed with the earthy scent of cattle.My stomach clenched as memories threatened to surface.

"It's just over this ridge," Jake said, glancing back at me."You okay?You look pale."

"I'm fine," I lied, gripping my recorder tighter."Just want to see what we're dealing with."

As we crested the hill, I saw it.A large Holstein, once black and white, now torn apart, its entrails spilled across the lush green grass.Blood soaked the ground around it, turning the earth a sickening rust color.But what caught my attention wasn't the gore—it was the precision of the wounds.

"Notice anything?"Jake asked, standing uncomfortably close behind me.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to look closer."The cuts...they're clean.Too clean for a normal animal attack."