Motorist, Animal Uninjured In Collision


INDEPENDENCE, Mo. -- While many drivers across the country are keeping their eyes out for deer, one Missouri woman encountered a much bigger -- and more aggressive -- driving hazard.

Tina Squires was driving in rural Independence, Mo., early Tuesday morning when a 1,200-pound buffalo rammed the side of her car.

"I see this big ... I thought it was a cow -- hit my passenger window," said Squires, who had her two young children in the car when the collision happened.  

Squires started screaming and one of her children tried to calm her down. No one was hurt, but the animal smashed the side of Squires' car and shattered a window.

"I was in shock. I'm still in shock. It's not every day you drive down Truman Road and a buffalo runs into you," Squires said.

Fred Bass owns the buffalo. He thinks one of his other animals, a white deer, pushed open a gate and let the larger animal out.

The buffalo, which was not injured in the crash, was recaptured Tuesday.