Editing Cattle mutilation (section)

==Cattle mutilations 1973–1980==
Waves of cattle mutilations were reported in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico.  

In April 1973,  sheriffs in Western Iowa reported unidentified helicopters involved in cattle and pig rustling.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-state-help-pledg/146460485/|title=State Help Pledge in Rash of Cattle Rustling|work=The Des Moines Register |date=April 6, 1973|pages=11|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> In August, similar rustling was reported in Missouri and authorities warned farmers not to fire on helicopters.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-journal-use-of-helicopter-susp/146460562/|title=Use of Helicopter Suspected in Area Rustling and Farm Thefts|work=The Daily Journal |date=August 17, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-journal-patrol-warns-not-to-fi/146460631/|title=Patrol Warns Not To Fire On Unidentified Helicopters|work=The Daily Journal |date=September 18, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-idaho-statesman-montanans-seek-helic/146460721/|title=Montanans Seek Helicopter Which May Carry Rustlers|work=The Idaho Statesman |date=September 29, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/04/08/archives/copters-spotted-in-hog-rustling-plane-is-needed.html|title=COPTERS SPOTTED IN HOG RUSTLING|work=The New York Times |date=April 8, 1973|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref>

===1973 Kansas wave===
On June 10, 1973, [[Cloud County, Kansas|Cloud County]] sheriff Fred Modlin warned the public about a series of telephone calls from a caller identifying as a USDA official conducting a survey of herd population and locations. After the USDA denied such a survey, Modlin advised that the calls might be coming from rustlers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44006899/|title=Jun 10, 1973, page 18 - The Salina Journal at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref> 

On June 14, a 700-pound heifer was found butchered on the Ray Vizner farm near Munden, Kansas.  Its right ear had reported been removed and right rear quarter butchered;  Republic County sheriff Bob Blecha argue the death was not the work of predators.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope/125945291/|title=Heifer Butchered Near Munden|work=The Belleville Telescope |date=June 14, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Two weeks later, on June 18, a second butchered cow was found on the Lowell Darcy farm, twenty miles away from the first butchered cow;  Like the first, its right ear was removed.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope/127120775/|title=Butcher Strikes County Cattle For Second Time|work=The Belleville Telescope |date=June 28, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Local press initially speculated about a 'Mad Dog' or 'phantom' Butcher.<ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope/6155866/|title=Cattle Mutilations in Nebraska, S.D. As Puzzling As Those in Republic County|work=The Belleville Telescope |date=October 17, 1974|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>   On August 9, a third butchered cow was found, this one in South County.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope/129588174/|title=Crazed Butcher Slaughters Third Animal in Two Months|newspaper=The Belleville Telescope |date=August 9, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  On August 30, a fourth butchered cow was reported, this one on the Larry LeBlanc farm south of St. Joseph in Cloud County; the right ear was again removed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope/130529258/|title='Mad Dog Butcher' carves 500-Pound Steer by St. Joe|newspaper=The Belleville Telescope |date=August 30, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/great-bend-tribune-golden-belt-nuggets/146404360/|title=Golden Belt Nuggets|newspaper=Great Bend Tribune |date=September 4, 1973|pages=2|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

On October 25, three cows in Harvey County were discovered with their sex organs removed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-slain-cattle-discovere/146452587/|title=Slain Cattle Discovered Near Newton|newspaper=The Wichita Eagle |date=October 26, 1973|pages=5|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> On November 15, press reported a slain cow on the Don Peter farm near Munden, the seventh animal death attributed to the "butcher".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope/134514564/|title=Mad Dog Butcher Carves Up Seventh Animal Near Munden|newspaper=The Belleville Telescope |date=November 15, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> The November 22 issue of the Belleville Telescope again referenced the "Mad Dog Cattle Butcher".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope-mad-dog-cattle/146453111/|title=Mad Dog Cattle Butcher|newspaper=The Belleville Telescope |date=November 22, 1973|pages=9|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
[[File:Cattle Mutilations by county in Kansas and Nebraska - December 13 1973.png|thumb|Cattle mutilations by county in Kansas and Nebraska, as of December 13, 1973<ref name="baffled"/>]]
On December 4, 1973,  law enforcement including Modlin reported a wave of cattle deaths in seven counties across Kansas and Nebraska.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94287533/area-lawmen-will-discuss-cattle-deaths/|title = Area lawmen will discuss cattle deaths|newspaper = The Salina Journal|date = 4 December 1973|page = 9}}</ref> Sexual organs were reported having been removed.  An upcoming meeting on the mutilations was announced.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-salina-journal-area-lawmen-will-disc/94287533/|title=Area lawmen will discuss cattle deaths|newspaper=The Salina Journal |date=December 4, 1973|pages=9|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> On December 6, a killing on the Lavern Hiner farm in Cloud County was reported to be the butcher's ninth.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope-butchering-cont/146454463/|title=Butchering Continues In Cloud County Near Glasco|newspaper=The Belleville Telescope |date=December 6, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>   By December 13, Kansas law enforcement reported having investigated total 40 mutilations, most occurring on land near US Highway 81.<ref name="baffled">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope-law-baffled-by/146459657/|title=Law Baffled by Pasture Slaughters, Evidence and Motive are Lacking|newspaper=The Belleville Telescope |date=December 13, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-times-kansas-cattle-muti/121040580/ | title=Kansas Cattle Mutilations 1973 | newspaper=The Kansas City Times | date=22 December 1973 | page=1 }}</ref>   On December 20, State Senator [[Ross Doyen]] reported a cattle mutilation on his ranch.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-times-kansas-cattle-muti/121040580/|title=Kansas Cattle Mutilations 1973|newspaper=The Kansas City Times |date=December 22, 1973|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

On December 22, the Kansas Brand Commissioner's office determined that most of the deaths and removal of sex organs were the result of natural causes including predation, "[[shipping fever]]" and [[Blackleg (disease)|blackleg]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94287852/cattle-mutilations-discounted/|title = Cattle Mutilations Discounted|newspaper = The Parsons Sun|date = 22 December 1973|page = 4}}</ref>  Modlin and others vocally disagreed with these conclusion and denied that local ranchers would mutilate dead animals for insurance money, calling them "honest and respectable".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44034157|title=Dec 21, 1973, page 1 - The Salina Journal at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>

===1974 Nebraska wave===
Reports resumed in April 1974, when a Nebraska cow was discovered mutilated and drained of blood.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-salina-journal/6150470/|title=Another Cattle Mutilation Case is Discovered|newspaper=The Salina Journal |date=April 8, 1974|pages=2|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  That month, the [[North American Newspaper Alliance]] reported on the 1973 mutilations along with sightings of unidentified helicopters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope/124054840/|title=Cow Mutilation in Nebraska Similar to Those in NCK Area|newspaper=The Belleville Telescope |date=April 11, 1974|pages=18|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

In May, two mutilations were reported in Mills County, Iowa;  An AP story argued coyotes were responsible.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/mexico-ledger-cattle-mutilations-coyoter/146387501/|title=Cattle Mutilations Coyoters, Not Witches|newspaper=Mexico Ledger |date=May 13, 1974|pages=4|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  By June 1974, mutilations were reported in Lancaster County, Nebraska.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star-cow-mutilation-repo/94287673/|title=Cow Mutilation Reported|newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |date=June 13, 1974|pages=33|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  Custer Country reported similar helicopter sightings and armed patrols.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/6155062/|title=Devil Worship Fires Debate in Cattle Mutilations |newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |date=August 23, 1974|pages=16|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-belleville-telescope/124057631/|title=Cattle Deaths Due to Rustlers, Coyote or Cultists -- They Weave Weird Tale|newspaper=The Belleville Telescope |date=July 18, 1974|pages=8|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  On August 14, 1974, the [[Cascade County, Montana]] Sheriff's Office received its first report of a mutilated cow.<ref>Donovan and Wolverton, 1977</ref>{{Additional citation needed|date=April 2024}}

On August 20, press reported a "new twist" in the mutilations:   Days prior, near  Agnew, Nebraska,  an unidentified helicopter had been spotted hovering 400 feet above where a mutilated cow would later be discovered.<ref name="auto1"/>  The helicopter was reported shining a spotlight into the field;  FAA and National Guard reported no knowledge of helicopters operating in the area.<ref name="auto1"/>  Knox County Sheriff Herbert Thompson reported that armed civilians had begun patrols in response to repeated helicopter sightings.  Cloud County Attorney William Walsh told press of a jailhouse informant who claimed to be a former cult member and opined the mutilations were likely the result of devil-worshiping cultists. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Brand Inspectors were reported to lean toward predators as the cause.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star/107314554/|title=Devil Worship Fires Debate in Cattle Mutilations|newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |date=August 23, 1974|pages=16|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>   Amid the cattle mutilation jitters and drought, Oakland, Nebraska experienced as spate of "beast" sightings as residents feared an unidentified noisy night-time animal.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/522969909|title=Aug 23, 1974, page 1 - Fremont Tribune at Newspapers.com|website=Newspapers.com}}</ref>  State Sen. John Decamp called on authorities to coordinate an investigation into the mutilations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/beatrice-daily-sun/145924660/|title=Cattle mutilation "must be stopped"|newspaper=Beatrice Daily Sun |date=August 27, 1974|pages=2|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lincoln-star-decamp-asks-probe-into/94288444/|title=DeCamp Asks Probe Into Cattle Mutilations|newspaper=The Lincoln Star |date=August 27, 1974|pages=22|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>
As on August 28, there had been 25 mutilations reported across five Nebraska counties.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sioux-city-journal/145925139/|title=Mutilation-Slayings of Cattle Puzzle Nebraska Authorities |newspaper=Sioux City Journal |date=August 28, 1974|pages=2|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

On August 28, press reported that a rancher near Hartington had apparently thwarted a mutilation in progress when he found a helicopter  above his field was spotted by a neighbor who summoned the sheriff;  All three reportedly witnessed the helicopter as well as a car that also seen shining a spotlight into the field. The following morning, a dead cow was found near where the helicopter had been spotted, but the cow had not been mutilated.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lincoln-star/145925263/|title=Apparent Mutilation Attempt Thwarted|newspaper=The Lincoln Star |date=August 28, 1974|pages=5|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  Authorities cautioned the public not to shoot at aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star-helicopter-users-ta/146390684/|title=Helicopter Users Talk About Scare|newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |date=August 29, 1974|pages=19|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  On September 5, it was reported that authorities had ordered helicopters to fly above 1000 feet after a commercial helicopter took two bullets during a power line inspection.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lincoln-star/145925569/|title=Helicopters to Avoid Frightened Ranchers|newspaper=The Lincoln Star |date=September 5, 1974|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

On September 11, a supposedly-mutilated cow was revealed at autopsy to have died of natural causes, i.e. bacterial infection.  It was the third such mutilation disproved by authorities as the University of Nebraska's Department of Veterinary Science.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star-cattle-mutilation-r/146395955/|title=Cattle Mutilation Refuted in Autopsy|newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |date=September 11, 1974|pages=49|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  On September 17, over 50 law enforcement officials from 24 counties attended a meeting at the Knox County Courthouse in Center, Nebraska to discuss the mutilations. Participants, who dismissed the cult theory, estimated that out of 80 cow deaths under discussion, about 27 were suspected mutilations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ames-tribune/6155232/|title=Cult theory in cattle mutilations wanes|newspaper=Ames Tribune |date=September 18, 1974|pages=29|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

On September 19, press reported three cases of alleged mutilations in  South Dakota:  Two in Moody County and one in Lake County.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sioux-city-journal/145927133/|title=Cattle Mutilation in Moody Probed|newspaper=Sioux City Journal |date=September 19, 1974|pages=2|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  On the advice of the Sheriff, patrols were organized and farmers were instructed to check their herds every 12 hours.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sioux-city-journal/145928066/|title=Farmers Check Herds in Wake of Mutilations|newspaper=Sioux City Journal |date=September 20, 1974|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  On September 30, papers reported on an unusual cow death where the animal was shot with a firearm, incised, and set aflame with fuel oil.  Unlike other cases, removed body parts were left on site and no parts of the animal were taken.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star-humans-blamed-in-s/146397073/|title=Human's Blamed in Steer's Death|newspaper=Lincoln Journal Star |date=September 30, 1974|pages=8|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

In the September 30, 1974 issue of Newsweek, the magazine became the first national outlet to cover the ongoing mutilation story;  Its story reported 100 cattle mutilated in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa since May.<ref name="O'Brien"/><ref>''Stalking the Herd'' incorrectly lists Newsweek's publication year as 1973 rather than 1974.</ref>

On October 2, 1974,   South Dakota Attorney General [[Kermit A. Sande|Kermit Sande]] told press that a number of mutilations had been reported in the state.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-cloud-times-south-dakota-cattle-muti/146337505/|title=South Dakota Cattle mutilated|newspaper=St. Cloud Times |date=October 4, 1974|pages=7|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/western-livestock-reporter/145931965/|title=Cattle Mutilations Continue|newspaper=Western Livestock Reporter |date=October 24, 1974|pages=1|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/western-livestock-reporter/145932061/|title=Cattle Mutilations Continue|newspaper=Western Livestock Reporter |date=October 24, 1974|pages=16|via=newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-cattle-mutilations-reported/146337426/|title=Cattle mutilations reported in S.D.|newspaper=Star Tribune |date=October 3, 1974|pages=39|via=newspapers.com}}</ref> Mutilations had been reported in three counties, and a psychiatrist argued the person responsible might be psychotic.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sioux-city-journal-state-acts-on-cattle/146397358/|title=State Acts on Cattle Death; Mutilator Psychotic Says Yankton Mental Unit Officer|newspaper=Sioux City Journal |date=October 3, 1974|pages=2|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  After five mutilations were reported in Day County, a $500 reward was offered.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-reward-offered-by-bee/146398599/|title=Reward Offered By Beef Group|newspaper=Omaha World-Herald |date=October 4, 1974|pages=43|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>

It was reported that UFO conspiracy theorists considered cattle mutilations might be related to flying saucers;<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94288615/he-ran-for-gun-as-saucer-hovered-cont/|title = He Ran for Gun as Saucer Hovered|newspaper = Lincoln Journal Star|date = 6 October 1974|page = 20}}</ref>   On November 15, UFO expert [[J. Allen Hynek]] released a statement denying any link.<ref name="O'Brien"/>{{Additional citation needed|date=April 2024}}

On December 2 1974, press reported on the Minnesota mutilations:  two in Kandiyohi County, six in Swift County, and one in Meeker County.  The Meeker animal was reportedly drained of blood.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-cloud-times-cattle-mutilation-meeker/19256435/|title=Cattle mutilation Meeker Co 1974|newspaper=St. Cloud Times |date=December 2, 1974|pages=12|via=newspapers.com}}</ref>  Between 1970 and 1974, twenty-two mutilated cattle were reported in Minnesota.<ref name="Goleman"/>

===1975 Colorado===
{{Location map+|USA West|width=150|float=right|relief=yes
 |caption=The Snippy case occurred on the Harry King Ranch, located in Colorado's [[San Luis Valley]] near [[Alamosa, Colorado|Alamosa]].
 |marksize=10|mark=Red_pog.svg
 |places= {{Location map~|USA West|lat_dir=N|lat_deg=37|lat_min=28|lon_dir=W|lon_deg=105|lon_min=52|position=top|background=#FFFFFF|label=Alamosa}}
{{Location map~|USA West|lat_dir=N|lat_deg=36|lat_min=56|lon_dir=W|lon_deg=106|lon_min=59|position=bottom|background=#FFFFFF|label=Dulce}}
}}
In 1975, the Colorado Associated Press voted the mutilations as the state's top story.<ref name="the-enduring-panic-about-cow-mutilations">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-southwest/the-enduring-panic-about-cow-mutilations | title=The Enduring Panic About Cow Mutilations | magazine=The New Yorker | date=8 May 2023 | last1=Monroe | first1=Rachel }}</ref><ref name="Goleman"/>
Senator [[Floyd K. Haskell]] contacted the [[FBI]] asking for help in 1975 due to public concern regarding the issue. He claimed there had been 130 mutilations in Colorado alone, and further reports across nine states.<ref name="fbi1">[http://vault.fbi.gov/Animal%20Mutilation/Animal%20Mutilation%20Part%201%20of%205/view Operation Cattle Mutilation, Section 1], FBI, Released under FOIA</ref> A 1979 FBI report indicated that, according to investigations by the [[New Mexico State Police]], there had been an estimated 8,000 mutilations in Colorado, causing approximately $1 million in damages.<ref name="fbi4">[http://vault.fbi.gov/Animal%20Mutilation/Animal%20Mutilation%20Part%204%20of%205/view Operation Cattle Mutilation, Section 4] FBI report on cattle mutilations</ref>

In January 1975, the Michigan ATF tasked Donald E. Flickinger with investigating the mutilations;  Flickinger investigated possible links to a "Hell-oriented biker gang".<ref name="Goleman">{{cite journal | url=https://doi.org/10.3098/ah.2011.85.3.398 | doi=10.3098/ah.2011.85.3.398 | title=Wave of Mutilation: The Cattle Mutilation Phenomenon of the 1970s | date=2011 | last1=Goleman | first1=Michael J. | journal=Agricultural History | volume=85 | issue=3 | pages=398–417 | pmid=21901905 | url-access=subscription }}</ref>  In May 1975, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation under the leadership of Carl Whiteside.<ref name="Goleman"/>

In October 1975,  the New York Times published a story examining cattle mutilations across 11 states.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lichtensteev |first=Grace |date=1975-10-30 |title=11 States Baffled by Mutilation of Cattle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/10/30/archives/11-states-baffled-by-mutilation-of-cattle.html |url-access=subscription |page=77 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>Specifically: Pennsylvania, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, Montana, Illinois, Wisconsin and California.</ref>

===1976 Dulce, New Mexico===
On June 13, 1976, Dulce rancher Manuel Gomez reported a mutilation to Officer Gabe Valdez of the New Mexico State Patrol.

===1979 Public meeting===
[[File:Sen Harrison Schmitt.jpg|thumb|right|Harrison Schmitt, U.S. Senator]]
On April 20, 1979,  U.S. Attorney R. E. Thompson and US Senator [[Harrison Schmidt]] held a public meeting about cattle mutilations.  The meeting was attended by about 80 people. One attendee was [[Paul Bennewitz]], who approached Valdez and reported having seen unidentified lights over Kirtland Air Force Base.<ref name="autoMM">Mirage Men,Ch 11, p. 87-88</ref>

On May 2, 1979, Valdez told press that two drugs had been found in the remains of a mutilated bull found in Torrance County on February 15.<ref name="SF82_drugged">{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-santa-fe-new-mexican-police-find-dru/127526346/ | title=The Santa Fe New Mexican 02 May 1979, page 9 | newspaper=The Santa Fe New Mexican | date=2 May 1979 | page=9 }}</ref>  Valdez reported one drug, [[Chlorpromazine]] (''Thorazine''), was used to tranquilize and immobilize the animal, while a second, unnamed drug was used to "clog the blood and remove it through the jugular vein."<ref name="SF82_drugged"/>  Valdez told papers "We know this stuff is made here, and it isn't from outer space.  Whoever is doing it is highly sophisticated, and they have a lot of resources.  They're well organized".<ref name="SF82_drugged"/> Valdez was described as "the state's chief information source on mutilations, having worked on 32 cases... in about three years".<ref name="SF82_drugged"/>

On June 14, 1981, investigators found a mutilated cow at the Gomez ranch with a large amount of [[Chaff (countermeasure)|radar chaff]] nearby.<ref>O'Brein</ref>