Ancient water buffalo discovered in China!

According to reports from Chinese news sources, a team of archaeologists have discovered the remains of an ancient water buffalo at a construction site in the city of Chongqing. The water buffalo is estimated to be around 4,000 years old and is thought to have been used in agricultural production.

This discovery is significant as it provides insight into the ancient lives of people in China and their reliance on domesticated animals for food production. The water buffalo skeleton was found alongside other animal bones, indicating that it was likely used in a ritual sacrifice.

The excavation project is ongoing and the archaeologists are still working to excavate all of the artefacts from the site. Further analysis of the artefacts will provide more information about life in ancient China and the use of water buffalo in agricultural production.

Water buffalo make a comeback on Texas ranch

SAN ANTONIO - A Texas rancher is once again raising water buffalo, descendants of animals imported from Italy more than a century ago.

Bob McClaren, who raises buffalo on his ranch near San Antonio, said Wednesday that he was getting back into the business because he believes they are a viable alternative to cattle.

"We're just trying to put something on the table that people can eat," McClaren said.

The rancher stopped raising buffalo in the early 1990s after the market for them dried up. He said he's now getting about $3 per pound for meat from his buffalo, compared to 50 cents per pound for beef.

McClaren's ranch has about 120 buffalo and he plans to increase that number to 500 over the next few years. He also has a herd of about 100 longhorn cattle.

The water buffalo are not a game species and cannot be hunted in Texas, but McClaren said he may allow limited hunting of them in the future to help control their numbers. Articles about Water Buffalo making a come back are nothing new, but this one caught my attention for two reasons: 1) The return of an iconic animal to Texas and efforts being made by Bob McClaren specifically to promote them as an ecologically sustainable alternative source of protein – aside from cattle – is worth celebrating indeed! And 2) I'm a Texan. So there's that. But seriously, this got me thinking: What other under-theorized or forgotten animals could make a roaring comeback here in the Lone Star State? Let's take a look at three promising contenders (and one long shot). 1) Elk – Few animals are as synonymous with Texas wildlife as elk, which were reintroduced to several parks in the state in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While they haven't quite reached their pre-trapping population numbers yet (there were an estimated 60,000 elk in Texas before Europeans arrived), they've done well enough since 2002 – when only 149 licenses were sold statewide – to warrant giving hunters another opportunity this year (Read more: goo.gl/xQzC8g). With healthy herds now found in parts of West Texas and the Hill Country, it's only a matter of time before elk regain their former statewide presence and popularity among hunters and nature enthusiasts alike. 2) Aoudad Sheep – These desert sheep are native only to parts of North Africa and Southwest Asia but have been successfully introduced throughout much of Texas (including Big Bend National Park), where they've thrived due to their general toughness and adaptability (not to mention good looks). Aoudads were brought over intentionally by hunters searching for new quarry and have since flourished without any pro-active management on behalf of humans…though there's always room for improvement ;-) ). With populations numbering in the thousands across much of their range, it would seem these sheep are primed for broader public recognition and appreciation – especially by those seeking an elusive huntable species that isn't another deer or hog… 3) Blackbuck Antelope – OK, so I'll admit blackbuck aren't exactly exotic or even all that rare compared to some other candidates on this list. But I include them because (A) They're freaking cool as hell; )B) They were once nearly exterminated from Texas; and C) Thanks largely to private landowners who've worked hard over recent decades to bring them back onto their properties, blackbuck numbers are recovering nicely (especially east of I-35). This highly underrated non-rufous antelope is prized by both bowhunters and photo enthusiasts alike for its beautiful coat patterning and graceful movements; while they may not be everyone's cup of tea constitutionally speaking, there's no denying their appeal aesthetically or ecologically speaking once you get up close with one… 4) White-tailed deer – Last but not least we have white-tailed deer, arguably our most popular big game species across much of the state. It goes without saying that whitetails will continue doing just fine regardless of what else happens here in Texas, but there's no harm in dreaming big nonetheless! If ever there was an animal tailor-made for expansive habitat like TX (aided by ample supplemental feeding), it's white tails. Imagine if Whitetail deer numbers increased tenfold overnight such that every acreage owner had at least one herd on his/her property? The economic implications would be staggering! Folks might actually start calling TX "Deer Heaven"…nahhh 😉 ). While I doubt any of these four species will overtake deer as our predominant big game animal anytime soon or even within my lifetime specifically, I do think each has potential to make serious strides in terms of public awareness and appreciation over coming years – especially if proactive measures are taken by enterprising landowners/hunters/conservationists like those profiled above

How water buffalo are changing the dairy industry

Water buffalo are changing the dairy industry by providing an alternative to cows. Water buffalo can produce more milk than cows and the milk is higher in fat and protein. Water buffalo are also hardy animals that can tolerate a wider range of climates than cows. This is making water buffalo a popular choice for dairying in countries like India and China where the climate is hot and dry.

BREAKING: Buffalo Bills agree to trade water buffalo to Miami Dolphins

The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a trade that will send their water buffalo to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick, NFL sources confirmed Wednesday.

"We felt this was the best move for our organization," Bills general manager Brandon Beane said in a statement. "We're excited to add a fourth-round pick to our roster and we wish the Miami Dolphins all the best with their new water buffalo."

The Bills acquired the water buffalo in May 2017, when they traded former starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns. The water buffalo, which played college football at Clemson University, saw limited action for the Bills last season, appearing in three games and recording three tackles.

A spokesperson for the Dolphins declined to comment on the trade.

California man fined for trying to ride water buffalo

A California man has been fined for illegally attempting to ride a water buffalo.

According to a report from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the man was observed riding the animal on a property in Colusa County.

When contacted by officers, the man admitted that he had purchased the buffalo from a livestock market and was attempting to ride it around his property.

Under California law, it is illegal to possess, transport or use water buffalo without a permit. The man has been fined $1,000 for his actions.

"Water buffalo can be very dangerous if not handled properly," said CDFW Lt. Chris Stoots. "They are large animals and can easily injure someone if they become agitated."

Water buffalo are considered an invasive species in California and can cause significant damage to the state's ecosystems and agriculture industry.