Oklahoma Farmer Killed by Water Buffaloes He Purchased the Day Before

A farmer in Oklahoma, with extensive experience in cattle handling, was tragically killed by two water buffaloes he had purchased just one day prior at a livestock auction. According to police, the incident occurred when the animals became aggressive and attacked the farmer inside his enclosure. Emergency responders arrived at the scene just after 10:30 p.m. on Friday but were initially unable to reach the victim due to the aggressive behavior of one of the water buffaloes. Officials had to shoot and kill the animal to safely access the farmer, who was later found with multiple deep lacerations that proved fatal.

A second buffalo became agitated and posed a threat to responders, leading to its also being shot. Preliminary investigations suggest the water buffaloes were responsible for the farmer’s fatal injuries. The farmer, Bradley McMichael, had acquired the animals at a livestock auction on July 10, just a day before the incident. His ex-wife described his deep connection to livestock farming, emphasizing his lifelong dedication to the profession. This tragic event has raised concerns about the risks associated with handling exotic livestock and the importance of proper training and management.