Lightning is caused by an electrostatic discharge. It can happen between two clouds or between a cloud and the ground. People have captured the powerful bolts of lightning stretching from the sky to the ground. Lightning has been known to kill people, according to lightningsafety.com, 27 people were killed by lightning in the U.S. in 2015.

So far in 2016, there have been 5 deaths. On May 26th on an unidentified ranch in McCook County, South Dakota, 21 cows were killed by one bolt of lightning! The cows were all standing around a metal feeding trough when they were struck down. The estimated loss to the owners is about $45,000!

This incident serves as a grim reminder to stay away from towers, trees, buildings or anything that conducts electricity during a storm – better yet, stay inside and make sure your animals are safe too! Share away, people.