An Oklahoma farmer was fatally mauled by two water buffaloes less than 24 hours after purchasing them at a livestock auction, local police said. Officers and firefighters were called to 7501 North Henney Road in the town of Jones at about 8:35 p.m. on Friday, 11 July, where they found Bradley McMichael, 45, inside the animals’ enclosure with multiple deep lacerations. First responders could not immediately reach the victim because the buffaloes charged at them, according to a statement released Monday by the Jones Police Department. One buffalo was shot to clear a path to McMichael; the second was euthanised after it became increasingly agitated while investigators processed the scene. Preliminary findings indicate McMichael, an experienced livestock handler, became trapped in the pen while tending to the newly acquired animals. The state medical examiner is conducting an autopsy, and police say the investigation remains open. Water buffaloes are uncommon on U.S. farms but are sought for dairy and lean meat, industry groups note.