Shocking Incident: Oklahoma Farmer Killed by Water Buffalo
A tragic event unfolded in Jones, Oklahoma, on Friday evening when a farmer was fatally mauled by two water buffalo inside their enclosure, authorities confirmed. The victim, identified as Bradley McMichael, was found with fatal injuries shortly after emergency responders were called to the scene at approximately 8:35 p.m.
The Jones Police Department and Jones Fire Department arrived at the farm, located at 7501 North Henney Road, to find an extremely dangerous and volatile situation.
“Upon arrival, first responders were initially unable to reach the victim due to the aggressive behavior of the animals,” the police said in an official statement.
Deadly Encounter with Newly Purchased Animals
According to investigators, McMichael had bought the two water buffalo the day before at a livestock auction. It’s believed he became trapped in their enclosure while tending to them, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
The animals’ aggression made the initial rescue attempt impossible. Police were forced to euthanize one of the buffalo immediately to secure access to the victim.
“When responders gained entry, McMichael had multiple deep lacerations that proved fatal,” police said.
Second Buffalo Also Euthanized After Posing Risk
While authorities were processing the scene, the second buffalo became increasingly agitated, posing a risk to emergency personnel. For the safety of those present, the second buffalo was also dispatched.
A forensic examination of the scene confirmed that both animals were directly responsible for McMichael’s death.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner took custody of McMichael’s body for further examination.
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Community Shocked by Rare Livestock Fatality
Fatal attacks involving water buffalo are rare in the United States. While the animals are typically raised for dairy or meat production in some regions, their sheer size and unpredictable behavior can be dangerous, especially in unfamiliar environments.
Bradley McMichael, who was believed to be experienced with livestock, had only owned the animals for 24 hours.
This incident has raised concerns about animal safety practices, particularly for individuals acquiring unfamiliar or exotic livestock from auctions.
Rural Safety: What to Know About Water Buffalo
- Adult water buffalo can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and are known to be territorial.
- Sudden exposure to new environments may trigger aggressive behavior in livestock.
- Proper fencing and enclosure protocols are critical when handling large animals.
- Emergency response plans should be in place for all livestock owners.
What’s Next
An official report from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office is expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, no criminal charges have been filed, and authorities continue to treat this as a tragic accident.
Livestock owners are urged to follow best practices when purchasing new animals, especially those with limited domestic familiarity.
