MADISONVILLE, TEXAS — The Madison County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death and mutilation of six cattle found along the Texas State Highway.

In a Facebook post on April 20, the police department said the investigation began when ranchers reported a 6-year-old longhorn-cross cow found deceased and mutilated on their ranch.

“A straight, clean cut, with apparent precision, had been made to remove the hide around the cow’s mouth on one side, leaving the meat under the removed hide untouched,” the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said. “The tongue was also completely removed from the body with no blood spill.”

They added there were no signs of struggle, and the area around the cow was undisturbed.

The department discovered five similar cases after looking further into the death of the cow.

Four adult cows and one yearling were found in different pastures and herds along the Texas State Highway with the same — and, in a couple cases, additional — mutilations as the first cow.

The cause of death is still unknown.

“Multiple similar incidents have been reported across the United States, and we are actively coordinating with other agencies to find answers,” the police department said.