Rams on the run: Two sheep run wild, spotted in Mequon and Grafton

GRAFTON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Two sheep have been causing a stir on social media as they run loose on golf courses, in neighborhoods and along Lake Michigan.

It's an unexpected sight for many people in the Mequon and Grafton areas.

"Once animals get loose, they tend to just keep going in any need direction they find," said Bernie Schneider, livestock handler.

Schneider isn't a rookie when it comes to wrangling animals.

"Cattle bulls and cows, heifers, some sheep and goats, some horses, but they're easier to catch," Schneider explained.

Schneider first saw the runaway sheep on social media Friday but says they've been on the run since August.

"They just kind of running free now," said Schneider.

He says he's worried for their safety come winter.

"It’s getting cold, so it’ll be hard for them to get water. And it’s frozen, and they forage, so soon everything is going to be gone," said Schneider.

According to the Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office, the sheep have been all over Mequon but have recently moved north into Grafton.

"It's the first time we've ever seen sheep, so it was quite the sighting."

Grafton resident Kelly Lucyk says they trotted onto his front lawn over the weekend.

"It's kind of a shock but it's a pleasant shock," said Lucyk.

The sheep returned to munch on some grass again Monday morning.

"They were getting a little bolder. They're coming closer to the house and that, so I think they're starting to feel comfortable," said Lucyk.

The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office sent CBS 58 the following statement regarding the sheep:

"They were first reported in the City of Mequon and have been loose for several weeks, possibly up to a month. It appears they have migrated north along the lakeshore and recently entered the Town of Grafton. The first sighting within the Town of Grafton occurred on Friday, 11-14-25, along the bluff near Lake Shore Road. Since that time, the Sheriff’s Office has received five additional calls reporting the sheep on various properties along Lake Shore Road. The most recent sighting was on Sunday, 11-16-25, in the 1500 block of Lake Shore Road near Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve.

The sheep are very skittish and flee as soon as anyone attempts to approach them. The DNR and Humane Society have been contacted but are unable to assist with capturing them. Two sheep are on the loose, both white in color, and no owner has been identified at this time. Several private organizations and citizens with experience herding sheep have offered assistance; however, the animals remain highly mobile and are typically out of sight before help can be coordinated.

If the sheep are located or observed, it can be reported to the Sheriff’s Office by calling the non-emergency number 262-284-7172."

Schneider says if you see the sheep, give him a heads up on where they're headed next.

"Call me and I will drop what I'm doing to get them picked up and taken care of safely," said Schneider.

If you spot the sheep, you can contact Schneider at 920-764-2647.