Reader Paul K. has read about my Backyard Critters and dinosaurs, he saw an interesting bit on the news and shared with me. I have to say, this is something I was not expecting.
Police in Massachusetts are warning hikers to be on the lookout for aggressive yaks.
West Springfield police say a hiker in the Bear Hole Reservoir recreation area was charged by three yaks at about 8 p.m. Wednesday.
The West Springfield Environmental Committee posted on Facebook that they appeared docile so someone approached within six feet.
But then “one put its head down, snorted and then charged,” and the other two joined in the chase. No one was hurt.
I got nothing.
Normally, I’d assume “be careful of the yak on the trail” to refer to a puddle of vomit. This one won’t be taken care of with some saw dust…
What caliber for yak defense? 20mm?
These guys make your little Iguanasaurus look positively pathetic. And they’re probably better eatin’.
Since yaks are most definitely not a native species this means someone imported domesticated yaks and either let them escape, or more likely gave up and turned them loose. Time to track down the former owner and make them fix it, or start hunting take from helicopters like feral hogs in Texas. Since a yak looks to be similar in size and strength to a cape buffalo, I think any dangerous game rifle in .375 H&H through .600 Nitro Express should be suitable, or a .50 BMG for long range work.
Someone’s let their view of animals be a little too disneyfied.
Have you seen the video of the bison bull sending a poor kid flying? If the kid had parents with a lick of intelligence, it would never have happened. You NEVER get close to wild animals, you NEVER get close to bulls you don’t know, and you NEVER EVER get near a wild bull!
I noticed the dog on the right didn’t seem particularly intimidated.
Judging from their eyes he might be their familiar.
Perhaps it is time for some Boots Randolph.
“The West Springfield Environmental Committee posted on Facebook that they appeared docile so someone approached within six feet.”
Idiots. I wouldn’t get within 20 feet of a Holstein Cow in the middle of the woods. It’s a large animal that could kill you if it so desired. Leave it be.
Caught and returned to the owner.