Half Moon Bay Rancher Steps Up to Recapture Runaway Bull on California Highway

A massive bull wandering loose along Highway 35 in San Mateo County drew the attention of law enforcement and ultimately one man with expertise that made all the difference. Responding to the situation on Tuesday evening, deputies from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with California Highway Patrol officers to address the animal roaming the busy roadway.

After several hours of unsuccessful attempts to contain the bull, authorities reached out to Samuel Ramos Palomino, a foreman at Sea Horse Ranch in Half Moon Bay who brings 35 years of experience handling large livestock. Despite being asleep and facing a 4 a.m. work start, Palomino immediately mobilized his equipment and arrived to assist the effort.

The operation stretched over several miles as Palomino worked alongside sheriff’s deputies and highway patrol officers to pursue and repeatedly attempt to lasso the animal. Eventually the team succeeded in securing the bull, allowing Palomino to use his expertise to safely load it into his livestock trailer.

Palomino housed the animal securely until dawn when it could be returned to its home. The operation concluded around 2:30 a.m., leaving the foreman just 90 minutes before his scheduled work shift. County officials credited his intervention with potentially preventing serious collisions or injuries on the highway, with leadership later meeting Palomino in person to express their gratitude.