Man hits buffalo while driving on highway

Buffalo apparently escaped from a ranch

Star Tribune

Last update: January 17, 2008 - 9:16 PM

A motorist hit a buffalo that escaped from a ranch and wandered onto a highway in southwestern Minnesota on Wednesday night, the State Patrol said.

Eric Jipson, 23, of Hardwick, Minn., was northbound on Hwy. 75 when he collided with the bison a few miles north of Luverne, the State Patrol said. He was not hurt.

It's not uncommon to see buffalo in Rock County since they often roam Blue Mounds State Park and a nearby ranch, but locals, as well as law enforcement, can't recall one ever being hit by a car. The buffalo apparently escaped from an open gate at the Prairie Heights Bison ranch in Luverne.

TIM HARLOW

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