Police in Iowa are searching for a water buffalo that escaped from its owner over the weekend. According to police reports, the animal is said to be aggressive.
“As you may have heard, we responded to a call about an animal in the road. This animal turned out to be a Water Buffalo. The owner informed us the animal is aggressive. We began coordinating with Des Moines Animal Control to contain the animal and return it to its owner’s property,” Pleasant Hill Police Department said in an Aug. 26 Facebook post.
The Department went on to say that the animal was injured during attempts to subdue it.
“Attempts led the animal to show its aggressiveness toward Pleasant Hill officers which resulted in one round being fired from a shotgun, injuring the animal. The Water Buffalo fled and we continue our search,” the Department said.
“Neither the collaborating animal control department nor do we have tranquilizers or equipment to handle such a unique situation.”
Police said the animal was last seen heading southbound toward Scott Avenue and Oakwood Drive in Little Fourmile Creek.
The Department has joined forces with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in its continued efforts to locate the animal. In the area where the animal was last seen, All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) along bicycle trails and drone technology have been used.
Police are also partnering with members of the local community who are experienced in handling this type of animal and are assuring the public that the safety of the Pleasant Hill community is a top priority.
“With a dangerous animal loose in our community, we are using all resources available to keep our community safe and attempt to return the animal to its owner, if possible,” the Department said.
Police have sternly cautioned against approaching the animal if spotted and urged anyone to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Department at 515-265-1444.