The following article contains mentions of animal mutilation and spoilers from Unsolved Mysteries volume 5, episode 3, "Mysterious Mutilations."

Netflix rebooted Unsolved Mysteries in 2020 and has released 30 episodes (including "Mysterious Mutilations") ever since.

Unsolved Mysteries volume 5, episode 3 revolves around the strange phenomenon of similar cattle mutilations that have been occurring since before the 1970s. As one could infer since the Netflix show features the case, it remains unsolved to this day. The Unsolved Mysteries episode explores the history behind these cattle mutilations and theories behind who (or what) could be behind these heinous acts.

Mat Carter & MT Anderson's Discoveries With Their Mutilated Cattle Explained

Carter & Anderson Had Firsthand Experiences With The Phenomenon

Unsolved Mysteries volume 5, episode 3, shines a spotlight on two ranchers — Mat Carter and M.T. Anderson, both of whom have had firsthand experiences with the mysterious cattle mutilations. The episode features interviews with Carter and Anderson, who explain the history behind the phenomenon and their own run-ins with the unsolved case. Both Carter and Anderson were aware of the reoccurring mutilations when they were younger, but it would be years before their own cattle fell victim to the cruelty.

Anderson lost one of his cattle in June 2021. As he says in Unsolved Mysteries volume 5, episode 3, the heifer had been acting strange the day before she died. He later discovered the animal's face had been skinned back, her tongue was removed, and she had a cut behind her shoulder with her hide pulled back. Anderson didn't notice any tracks, blood, or signs of struggle on the ground around the heifer's body. He called the police, who performed an investigation and determined that a bear killed the cattle, which Anderson found hard to believe.

As for Carter's experience with the phenomenon, the rancher found his cow dead in August 2020. He explains in the bizarre Unsolved Mysteries episode that the animal's upper lip was cut off, her tongue was missing, and her intestines were falling out between her hind legs. Two years later, one of Carter's bulls had been mutilated. Similar to Anderson's heffer, there were no tracks or blood surrounding the bull's body (despite there being snow on the ground). Unfortunately, neither Carter nor Anderson have learned exactly what happened to their animals.

Mysterious Cattle Mutilations Have Been An Unsolved Phenomenon Since Before The 1970s

The Question Of Who Or What Is Performing The Cattle Mutilations Remains Unsolved

Mat Carter and M.T. Anderson are far from being the only ranchers who have experienced the mysterious cattle mutilations. For more than five decades, Oregon ranchers (and ones across the country) have found their animals mutilated, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths are always unusual. No one has been able to figure out how these cattle are dying and who or what is behind these awful crimes. Unfortunately, like the vast majority of the cases discussed in Unsolved Mysteries, the cattle mutilations in Oregon and elsewhere remain unsolved.

According to Unsolved Mysteries has covered numerous cases over the course of its 37-year history, so, to say "Mysterious Mutilatios" ranks among the documentary TV show's top most mystifying mysteries is an impressive statement. Meurer explained:

"This is probably the most mysterious mystery we've ever profiled. There are no suspects and no definitive theories about why cattle have been murdered and mutilated in multiple states, across decades. It's crazy to say this, but UFOs almost seem like the most likely theory."

No Blood Has Been Found With Unsolved Mysteries' Cattle Mutilation Cases

One Of The Strangest Parts Of The Mutilations Is The Absence Of Blood

Ranchers finding their cattle mutilated is quite puzzling and horrifying all on its own, but the evidence (or lack thereof) surrounding the animals' deaths makes the phenomenon even more confusing. There is never any blood on the ground surrounding the corpses, despite the brutal nature of their deaths. One would think that when a cow is cut with surgical-style incisions, has their tongue removed, and/or their organs taken out, there would be blood everywhere.

More than a thousand cattle mutilation cases have been reported across the United States and Canada, and no one has been able to solve them.

Nevertheless, the lack of blood at each scene is probably the most disturbing aspect of the Unsolved Mysteries case. While seeing the blood would be horrific, it would just make sense given the cattle's deaths. So, since there's no blood, the phenomenon is even more eerie. Plus, there are never any tracks or evidence around the bodies, indicating that anyone had ever been there. More than a thousand cattle mutilation cases have been reported across the United States and Canada, and no one has been able to solve them. However, many people have theories.

What Theories Have Been Posed To Explain The Mysterious Cattle Mutilations

UFOs Have Been Blamed

Of course, when one can't point to scientific reasoning behind strange cases, UFOs and aliens are looked at for answers, and that is what has happened with the cattle mutilations that have plagued ranchers for decades. As mentioned above, Unsolved Mysteries creator and executive producer Terry Dunn Meurer believes that UFOs are the best theory for what has been happening to these cattle. Unfortunately, there is no evidence to prove this theory other than the fact that there is a lack of evidence.

Unsolved Mysteries volume 5 serves as the second part of season 17, following the release of volume 4 on July 31, 2024. Volume 4 consists of five episodes, ranging from the Jack the Ripper case to the Mothman.

However, some blame cults for the cattle mutilations. Whatever the case, ranchers like Mat Carter and M.T. Anderson are determined to figure out the truth behind this strange phenomenon. Perhaps they will never get answers, or they will crack open the case one day. Until then, this Unsolved Mysteries volume 5 case remains unsolved.

Source: Netflix by Tudum