On the Farm: Brad the Sheep is Home Safe after Wild Escape

CARLTON, Minn. — After weeks of suspense, close calls, and multiple failed capture attempts–Brad the sheep is finally back home in Carlton.

“I still feel like I’m processing it, but being here today is like “oh year, he’s safe, he’s fine, he doesn’t have to worry about food or water or shelter and he has a really good home,” said Shana Roberts, a volunteer at the Lake County Humane Society.

Thanks to volunteers like Shana, his owner Ryan Osvald of Golden Hour Acres, and a lot of white bread, Brad was safely rescued.

“He seems like he’s just kind of right back into it now. Pretty good for what he went through,” said Osvald.

Here’s a quick recap of his story: Brad was sold to a breeder in Two Harbors in October.

But as the trailer door opened, he bolted. His escape lasted three weeks, covering more ground than most sheep.

“I can’t say I’ve ever heard of a sheep doing it. Or any other animal for that matter. Maybe a movie story, right?” Osvald stated.

Brad traveled at least 40 miles, from Duluth to Proctor, before his run came to an end in Midway Township.

“But he didn’t follow that path. He was all over the place, back and forth, up and down,” Roberts added.

This smart sheep was determined to make it back home to Carlton.

“Obviously he’s got something in his brain that gives him some good drive and keeps him alive,” said Osvald.

“I wonder how many miles he actually did travel? It just blows my mind,” Roberts stated.

While farmer Ryan did not expect to see Brad again, fate had other plans.

“It must have kind of been meant to be that it worked out that we could get him back here. So, ya he’s staying. We’re happy to have him back now.”

Brad is reunited with his twin sister, mom, and all his other wooly friends at the farm in Carlton.

“It’s a happy ending. It is a happy ending-happier than I ever thought it could be,” said Roberts.

And of course, it wouldn’t be the end without some white bread, as that’s Brad’s favorite.

Farmer Ryan has started a TikTok and other social media pages to share more of Brad and life on the farm. Just look up Golden Hour Acres to follow along!