Escaped Buffalo Bert back where he belongs

A wandering buffalo which sparked an extensive air and land search in Fife over the past fortnight has finally returned.

Farmer Steven Mitchell had appealed for help in trying to track down the 400kg animal after it disappeared from his buffalo farm near Kirkcaldy on December 9.

Incredibly though, the beast – nicknamed Buffalo Bert – somehow found its way home, and was discovered by a shocked farm worker early yesterday morning.

Stevie, 35, said. “Overnight he has made his way back into the shed and settled down in one of the passage ways.

“We have given him a stern talking to, but he will also get a bit extra TLC today.

“It’s a massive weight off our mind and we are really delighted to have him back.

“Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive, the interest in young Bert has been phenomenal.

“We love that his story has been suggested as becoming a children’s book, if any local authors or illustrators would like to take that challenge on please get in touch.”

Bert’s incredible odyssey began two weeks ago when he jumped a gate during a routine weighing at the farm in Auchtertool.

He was later spotted on a road very close to Shawsmill Farm but went missing again, prompting further appeals on social media.

Thermal imaging cameras were used in the hunt, before the UK Civil Air Patrol Scotland (UKCAPS) also got in touch to offer help earlier this week.