Aggressive water buffalo loose in Iowa, residents warned
Police and drones deployed to capture aggressive water buffalo in Iowa
Residents in Iowa are being advised to avoid an injured water buffalo that has been on the loose since Saturday. Officers from the Pleasant Hill Police Department responded to a call about an “animal in the road” in the city, roughly six miles east of Des Moines, on Saturday. The animal, identified as a water buffalo, was described by its owner as “aggressive.”
An officer shot the animal after it exhibited “aggressiveness” towards the responding officers, but the water buffalo managed to escape. The police, in collaboration with Des Moines Animal Control, are working to capture and return the animal to its owner, despite lacking tranquilizers or specialised equipment for this situation, as stated in a Facebook post on Monday.
The police are using ATVs to search bicycle trails and areas along Little Fourmile Creek, where the water buffalo was last seen on Monday afternoon. They are also partnering with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to employ drone technology and working with local experts in animal containment.
Police in Iowa have warned residents to try to steer clear of an ‘aggressive’ water buffalo that is loose in the community after it was spotted on a home security camera. pic.twitter.com/Oye8c3Kj6c
— The Project (@theprojecttv) August 28, 2024
Ensuring the safety of the Pleasant Hill community is the police department’s top priority. They are utilising all available resources to secure the community and attempt to return the water buffalo to its owner.
The Iowa Farm Sanctuary stated on Facebook that they are prepared to ensure the injured water buffalo receives immediate veterinary care if found alive. The sanctuary, which is in contact with the animal’s owner, revealed that the water buffalo, nicknamed “Hank,” escaped while being loaded for meat processing. They hope to relocate Hank to a sanctuary, though there is a possibility the owner may follow through with the original plan.
The water buffalo was spotted on Ring footage near a home’s front door in Pleasant Hill on Monday. Another resident filmed the animal in his backyard the same day.
Police urge anyone who sees the water buffalo to avoid approaching it and contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department at 515-265-1444.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Meadville Tribune reports that an injured and aggressive water buffalo is on the loose in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, prompting warnings and a search effort involving police, drones, and ATVs.(read more)
- Des Moines Register reports that Pleasant Hill, Iowa, has received a water buffalo from Des Moines, highlighting a unique community effort to address water conservation and sustainability.(read more)
- CBS News reports that a water buffalo is on the loose in Iowa, injured after being shot by police, and authorities warn residents to avoid it as it is aggressive. The animal escaped from its owner and has been spotted near Scott Avenue and Oak Drive.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why is there a loose water buffalo in Iowa?
The water buffalo escaped while being loaded for meat processing.
What should I do if I see the water buffalo?
Do not approach it and call the Pleasant Hill Police Department at 515-265-1444.
How are the police trying to find the water buffalo?
Police are using ATVs, drones, and local experts to search for the water buffalo.
What happened when the police encountered the water buffalo?
An officer shot and injured the water buffalo after it showed aggressiveness.
What will happen to the water buffalo if it is found alive?
The Iowa Farm Sanctuary aims to get it to a vet and hopes to bring it to a sanctuary.
