‘Grass wasn’t greener on the other side’: Hundreds of Sheep Wander Onto California Mountain Road

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'Grass wasn’t greener on the other side': Hundreds of Sheep Wander Onto California Mountain Road

Santa Barbara, California – More than 300 sheep were on the “lamb” last week in California, according to police, who had to wrangle the flock after they ambled away from their pen.

The wayward sheep wandered from their pen on Wednesday and onto the winding road in Santa Barbara, creating an unusual traffic jam, according to a playful Facebook post released by the California Highway Patrol’s Santa Barbara office.

The Great Sheep Escape

“Over 300 sheep decided to take a little field trip near Mountain Drive,” the tongue-in-cheek statement read. “Turns out, the grass wasn’t greener on the other side.”

“But that didn’t stop them from trying,” the police added.

The escaped sheep were strolling together on a curvy road that runs above the bohemian, “live-and-let-live” community of Montecito.

Police Herd Them Back

Luckily, officers arrived at the wild scene, tracked down the stray sheep’s owner, and helped guide them back home.

“Our CHP officers quickly hoofed it to the scene and helped the owner round up the wooly wanderers, guiding them safely back home to their pen,” the statement said.

Read Also: California Environmental Law Gets Major Overhaul with Newsom’s Signature

No Harm Done

Photographs shared by the CHP show hundreds of sheep staring defiantly into the camera as they took over the serpentine roadway, causing an out-of-the-ordinary traffic jam.

Thankfully, nobody was injured in the incident – nor were they fleeced. “We’re happy to report the flock is back where they belong, and everyone is baaahck to their normal routine,” the statement jokingly said.

“Just another day in Santa Barbara — where even traffic jams can be fluffy.”

Do you have any funny or unusual traffic stories to share? Let us know in the comments below! For more quirky updates like this, visit ridgecrestpact.org.

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Doris Oliver

Doris Oliver is a proud Ridgecrest native with a deep passion for bringing local stories to light. With over 2 years of experience in community reporting, Doris has built a trusted voice in the Community. Her work focuses on covering the issues that matter most to Ridgecrest residents — from public safety and education to local government and community events. Driven by a belief that informed citizens make stronger communities, Doris is committed to delivering accurate, timely, and impactful news. Through ridgecrestpact.org, she aims to bridge the gap between people and the stories shaping their everyday lives — making local news accessible, engaging, and meaningful.

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