Nature is full of stunning creatures and wonderful sights, and Poncho is no exception. The longhorn steer set a new world record with its almost 11-foot horns.
IN THE SMALL TOWN OF Goodwater, Alabama, a sweet steer with a healthy appetite for attention and the occasional marshmallow has become a celebrity thanks to his set of extraordinary horns. Six-year-old Texas longhorn Poncho Via was recently welcomed into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest horn spread on a steer ever documented. According to measurements taken last month, Poncho’s horns span 10 feet and 7.4 inches, about twice the length of a baby grand piano.
But that’s not all that makes Poncho a remarkable animal. According to his owner, the steer is a “big puppy dog” who loves sweets:
As a people-oriented longhorn, and, in the words of Dennis, “just a big pet,” Poncho has basked in the extra attention. “He has a lot of notoriety from people [on the road] looking at him,” says Dennis. “They stop and feed him apples or pears or watermelon.” His sweet tooth, according to the Guinness World Records, extends to marshmallows, too.
Isn’t Poncho a sweetheart? You can read up more about his amazing story at Atlas Obscura.
Image Credit: GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS