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MOAB — Law enforcement officials euthanized a water buffalo on Saturday evening after discovering it roaming "at large" south of Moab.
Grand County Sheriff's Office deputies found the animal on Spanish Valley Drive near Beeman Road, about 5 miles south of Moab, according to a Facebook post from the agency posted late Saturday night.
Officials said the water buffalo escaped his corral and made it onto a neighbor's property. The animal caused "considerable property damage, which allowed a horse to escape."
Authorities later located the horse suffering from what appeared to be significant injuries.
"A local veterinarian was called in and, unfortunately, the decision was ultimately made for the horse to be euthanized," the post read.
Meanwhile, the water buffalo was reportedly seen near several homes in the neighborhood, including within 15 feet of several children, officials said.
After talking with the animal's owner, officials decided that the animal should be put down, according to the post. Sheriff’s officials cited a “lack of tranquilizing materials, logistic problems and the need for public safety” as reasons for euthanizing the animal.
Several shots were fired to euthanize the water buffalo, according to the Facebook post. There were no injuries to deputies or any civilians in the neighborhood, officials said.
“It’s not an animal you usually get to see everyday, so it was sad to see the situation turn out the way it did,” Grand County Sheriff's officials said in the post.
Officials said the decision to euthanize the animal was not an easy one.
"The respect the community is showing for those who were forced to make these incredibly difficult decisions is greatly appreciated, and our deepest condolences go out to all involved."
