It could have been a dead cow on the golf course.

Are there power lines going over the river that zapped the cow (the lines zapped the cow, not the river zapped the cow)? Or did it float down from the high country and lodge in your community?

Wish I had something more constructive to add. I've been busy, and I feel a bit drained. All I can think of to conclude with is

How Now, Drowned Cow