A water buffalo that escaped its owner and wandered through the streets of Pleasant Hill has been safely captured, CBS News reports.
The incident began on Saturday when police in the Des Moines suburb, home to around 11,000 residents, received reports of an unidentified animal blocking the road. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the animal was, in fact, a water buffalo, which the owner indicated was aggressive.
The situation escalated during attempts by police and animal rescue groups to contain the buffalo and return it to its owner. According to a police Facebook post, the animal acted agressively towards officers during a capture mission, resulting in one round being fired from a shotgun, which injured the buffalo.
Despite being wounded, the water buffalo fled the scene. In a bid to locate the animal, police deployed drones and ATVs, enlisting experts in handling water buffaloes. After hours of searching, the buffalo was eventually found in a water sand pit at around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. However, with nightfall approaching and storms forecasted, officials deemed it unsafe to attempt a capture at that moment.
Early Wednesday morning, the buffalo was coaxed from the water and tranquilized with a dart. After walking around for some half an hour, a second tranquilizer dart was administered, which successfully immobilized the animal.
Once captured, the water buffalo was placed in a trailer where it received reversal drugs, antibiotics, and vitamins. It was subsequently transported to Iowa State University Veterinary Hospital for monitoring and additional medical care if necessary.
In a statement, town officials noted that the buffalo’s owner has surrendered the animal to the police, and an investigation into the circumstances of its escape is underway. Potential charges could be filed based on the outcome of this investigation, although details regarding the buffalo’s fate after being handed over to authorities remain unclear.
Water buffaloes, which can weigh as much as 2,650 pounds, are known to be the largest members of the Bovini tribe, often domesticated for agricultural purposes.