United States - August 23, 2024

In a heartwarming twist to a local adventure, three bison that had escaped from 3B Ranch in North Branford returned home on their own, but not before adding a new member to their herd. The Guilford Police Department shared the delightful update, complete with dash cam footage from their encounter with the wandering bison, which has since captured the hearts of the community.

The saga began when three bison, described by the ranch owner Amanda Maresca as "mom, dad, and friend," knocked down a section of wire fencing and wandered off on Sunday. Their escapade came to an end Tuesday night when they voluntarily returned to the ranch, but not alone. Accompanying them was a newborn baby bison, turning their escape into what Maresca humorously referred to as a "maternity leave."

The Guilford Police Department, in a light-hearted post on social media, detailed their interaction with the bison, including a chuckle-inducing moment from the officers' radio communication about deploying "bison manpower." The dash cam video, which the department shared in response to public interest, showed the officers' encounter with the bison, highlighting the unusual nature of the call.

"These fluffernators had a few eventful days out, meeting and greeting the locals, learning about the rules of the road... and finally they decided that it was time to take a nap in the comforts of their own pasture," the police wrote, adding a touch of humor to the situation.

Amanda Maresca, reflecting on the bison's return, expressed relief and joy, especially at the sight of the new baby. "What we've been kind of saying was that the bison went on maternity leave," she remarked, indicating the unexpected but welcome addition to the herd.