In a peculiar incident that captured the attention of residents in a Des Moines suburb, a water buffalo managed to evade capture for several days after escaping while being transported to a slaughterhouse. The owner of the water buffalo recently pleaded guilty to charges of having an animal at large and was fined $105 along with court costs.
The water buffalo, affectionately named PHill by fans in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, where it roamed freely, was eventually tranquilized with the assistance of zoo and animal rescue workers after a failed attempt by police to capture it. Despite being shot during the pursuit, PHill managed to evade authorities and continued to roam until it was safely subdued.
Following the incident, the former owner relinquished custody of PHill and two other water buffaloes, now known as Sal and Jane, to an animal shelter. PHill, who sustained an infected gunshot wound during the ordeal, received treatment at a large animal hospital and is said to be recovering well, according to the Iowa Farm Sanctuary.
Water buffaloes, known for their large size and strength, can weigh up to 2,650 pounds (1,200 kilograms) as per National Geographic. Despite their formidable stature, water buffaloes are often domesticated animals and are considered the largest members of the Bovini tribe, which includes various species such as yak, bison, and African buffalo.
