Not the Warren Parrot...

[bmurtha]

DEM NOTIFIES PUBLIC ABOUT ESCAPE OF LARGE EXOTIC ANTELOPE IN HOPE VALLEY AREA NEAR BLACK FARM MANAGEMENT AREA

500-Pound Animal Resembles a Deer but Must Not Be Consumed Due to Potential Harmful Effects on Humans

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is notifying the public of an escaped exotic animal in the Hope Valley area.

A Nilgai, or exotic antelope, has escaped from a private collection in the Woodville-Alton Road section of Hopkinton, near the Black Farm State Management Area. The animal was in the process of being captured for relocation to Texas when it escaped. The animal resembles a large deer. It weighs approximately 500 pounds, is predominately brown in color, does not have any antlers, and has a small metal ear tag in one of its ears.

According to Rhode Island State Veterinarian Scott Marshall, DVM, the animal was darted by a veterinarian just prior to its escape and the medication that was administered to the animal could cause harm or possibly death to people if flesh from this animal is consumed.

Anyone who sees this animal should report it immediately to DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at 222-3070. If a hunter mistakenly harvests the animal it should be immediately reported to the Division of Law Enforcement and the animal must not be consumed.

DEM has posted warning signs that include photos of the animal at the Black Farm State Management area.