text: Freak Lightning Strike Kills More Than 300 Reindeer, Including 70 Calves, in Norway – PJ Media
  Freak Lightning Strike Kills More Than 300 Reindeer, Including 70 Calves, in Norway
  By Paula Bolyard Aug 29, 2016 12:52 PM ET
  A herd of 323 reindeer was found dead on a mountain in Norway on Friday, victims of an apparent lightning strike in the area according to local reports. The herd included 70 calves along with adults of both sexes.
  A game warden from the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate (NNI) was on a routine inspection Friday when he discovered the dead reindeer all lying close together on the ground.
  NNI spokesman Knut Nylend told the Norwegian News Agency (NTB) that the animals were in a remote private hunting area in Telemark, where a powerful storm had recently passed through.
  Four animals were still alive when authorities arrived, but had to be euthanized at the scene.
  Because of concerns about chronic wasting disease, all animals from the herd over a year old will be tested. According to the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA) website, brain samples on the animals will be collected: "The heads are therefore transported down the mountain, and samples taken consecutively and sent to the Institute for further investigation."
  The rest of the animals will be left behind. According to the NEA, "this is the norm that nature takes its course and cleans up even when animals die."