Wild Asian Water Buffalo herd discovered in east Georgia

[GoDawgs]

Last edited Sat Aug 27, 2016, 02:04 AM - Edit history (1)

This week's Georgia Farm Monitor had a weird story- game cameras on a trail and at a pond in Wilkes county caught images of a herd of Asian Water Buffalo. DNR biologists confirmed sighting and an agent is investigating.
The episode isn't on the web yet, but I did find a reference on an outdoor enthusiasts site.

Quotes:
”These animals, however, appear to be wild and are hiding out amongst the bamboo cane thickets of a Georgia swamp,”...Brad talked to someone last year who even mentioned water buffalo in their swamp. “We should’ve believed him, but now we got photo evidence”

Link to internet article has more pictures:
http://www.gon.com/news/water-buffalo-caught-on-georgia-trail-camera

[napi21]

1. That's amazing! I live 15 minutes south of Gainesville.

I'd be shocked to see something like those wandering around in some field area. I did check the link though and it looks like they were actually spotted south of Atlanta. Wilkes County is closer to Augusta. Still beautiful animals though.

[GoDawgs]

2. The interviewee was in Gainesville, herd was in Wilkes county. Thanks for catching that

I edited the post so now its accurate.

I can't imagine what the water buffalo are doing anywhere in Ga, tho. How did they get there? Maybe descendants of draft animals?

[NBachers]

3. Well don't that beat all get-out

They sure look healthy to me.

[Silver Gaia]

4. I hope they remain safe.

[liberalla]

5. my thought too...

too many idiots like to kill things for the hell of it...

[GoDawgs]

7. I hope so too. As long as they stay near the swamps, prolly be ok

Some of the swamps down here are truly impenetrable. The water buffalo, although this isn't their continent, are in their element.
Even though they are herbivores, they will occupy a niche near top of food web because viable predators to something their size are really few (gators & Pythons), while swamp livin' is great for the buffs. Some of the swamps here are i,penetrable to humans also: too soft for foot or ATV while simultaneously too dry for John boats or swamp buggies.

They must be doing ok since there are a pretty good number of them (about 10-15?) In apparently very healthy condition.

[DirkGently]

6. Interesting!