As a final update to the six buffalo that escaped a Shady Grove Road farm on April 16, the sixth and final buffalo was found yesterday in the early evening hours by its owner, Tony Bettis. The buffalo, a female with the gentlest behavior of the six, was in the corral set up by the owner in the same Whispering Hills area where the other buffalo had been sighted for the last few weeks. The corral was stocked with food in an effort to attract the animal. However, this morning when the owner went to the corral to check on the animal, it was found to be deceased.
The buffalo that was hit by a car on the day that the six escaped was returned to the owner’s farm but passed away a few days later. Another buffalo was found deceased in a ravine last week by the owner, leaving three buffalo that have survived.
Earlier today, Bettis reiterated his thanks to the Hot Springs Police Chief David Flory, Hot Springs City Manager David Watkins, Animal Services Director Dan Bugg, Hot Springs Police Department, Hot Springs Animal Services, Garland County Sheriff’s office, and others who helped ensure public safety, conduct searches, report sightings, and realize a positive outcome for the three remaining buffalo. Bettis stated that he plans to relocate them soon to a new home in Hot Spring County where good care and a favorable environment await.