By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In Jones, Oklahoma, a 45-year-old man, Brad McMichael, died after being attacked by two water buffaloes he had recently purchased. Emergency responders were initially delayed due to the animals’ aggressive behavior. One buffalo was killed to allow access to McMichael, who suffered fatal injuries. The second buffalo continued to pose a threat as first responders worked, according to officials.
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Oklahoma farmer killed by water buffalo he bought at auction just a day prior… it’s a story that just hits you, doesn’t it? You imagine a guy, probably a hardworking individual, heading out to an auction with a dream. Maybe he saw an opportunity, a chance to diversify his farm, and then…well, the unimaginable happened. It’s a stark reminder that even the most experienced farmer can be caught off guard by the unpredictability of animals, especially when they’re not the typical livestock you’re used to.
The whole situation really underscores the importance of knowing what you’re dealing with. Someone in the comments mentioned their lifetime of experience with farm animals, their ability to “speak horse” and understand cattle behavior. They even had a vivid recollection of working with a bison herd and promptly deciding it wasn’t for them. The difference between domestic animals and their wilder counterparts is significant, and that 50/50 flight or fight instinct in some of these exotic breeds is a serious factor. It sounds like this farmer, unfortunately, learned this lesson the hardest way possible.
The fact that the water buffalo were purchased just a day before makes the tragedy even more jarring. You barely have time to get to know an animal, understand its temperament, and establish a safe relationship, before the unthinkable happens. The reports of the auction advertising them as “gentle” – if true – adds another layer of complexity to the situation. It highlights the potential for misrepresentation and the need for buyers to be extra vigilant, especially when dealing with less common species.
And, of course, the question arises: Why water buffalo? The comments bring up the common practice of expanding into more exotic species, seemingly for the sake of it. It is understandable that some would have their doubts and would stick to the tried and true of cowburgers and bison steaks. Perhaps the farmer was looking at the culinary angle, maybe wanting to produce mozzarella from water buffalo milk, or perhaps he thought the animals just looked cool. The comments also acknowledge how in America, there is a tendency to get confused with buffalo and bison, so maybe there was some confusion in the auction catalog as well.
The aftermath of the tragedy is just as critical. First responders taking action to neutralize the water buffalo, highlights how dangerous the situation must have been. The reactions surrounding the killing of the buffalo also shows the complexities of these types of situations.
The comments about how difficult it must have been to get rid of the buffalo are a grim testament to the animal’s size and resilience. It’s a somber reminder of the sheer physical power these animals possess. Then, of course, there’s the talk of the Darwin Awards, a grimly humorous acknowledgment of the seemingly avoidable nature of the tragedy.
Ultimately, this story is a powerful illustration of the potential dangers involved in the farming world, and of the importance of respecting the animals we choose to work with. It’s a story of tragedy, certainly, but also one that should serve as a reminder of the need for careful planning, responsible purchasing, and a healthy respect for the power of nature. And, yes, maybe a little extra research wouldn’t hurt.