A wounded and enraged water buffalo escapes in Iowa

In Pleasant Hill, Iowa, a water buffalo is roaming the town and causing concern as it is injured and displaying aggressive behavior. The Des Moines suburb’s police responded to a call about an animal in the road, only to discover it was a water buffalo belonging to a resident who informed authorities of its aggressiveness.

Efforts to contain and return the water buffalo to its owner’s property resulted in the animal showing aggression towards police officers, leading to one round being fired from a shotgun, injuring the buffalo. Despite the injury, the water buffalo managed to escape, prompting a search using drones, ATVs, and specialists in handling such animals.

As of Tuesday morning, the water buffalo, which can weigh up to 2,650 pounds according to National Geographic, was still at large in the town of approximately 11,000 residents. Authorities are warning the public not to approach the animal due to its size and behavior. Water buffaloes are typically domesticated and are known to be the largest members of the Bovini tribe, which encompasses various species such as yak, bison, African buffalo, and wild cattle.