OM-ZEE
Zebras on the loose in Maryland terrifying drivers as they dart across roads after breaking out of farm three weeks ago
SHOCKING footage revealed escaped zebras who have been running wild in Maryland for weeks, galloping on highways, spooking drivers and vexing officials.
At least one farm fugitive was captured on camera crossing a paved highway after being spotted walking through backyards, on local railroad tracks, and even at local playgrounds by residents.
3
3
A local named Chris Horrell videotaped on such wild beast hoofing it across a street at night, according to a posted by WUSA9 producer Jeff Ackerman.
Night running on paved roads is considered dangerous for zebras considering they could be struck by cars.
“That's when it can get dangerous and they get on the highway," Taylor told the station.
"So we don't want that.”
A few of the loose zebras were lured into an enclosure and sedated by Prince George’s County Animal Control.
Most read in The Sun
But least three zebras have avoided capture and are believed to be roaming around Croom Road and Duley Station Road in Upper Marlboro, Chief Rodney Taylor with Prince George's County Animal Control told .
“They’re very skittish,” Taylor said. “So if we keep too much movement that's going to just scare them out even further.”
The have been seen roaming together - referred to as a "dazzle."
They've been on the run since slipping away from historic Bellefields Farm off nearby Duley Station Road and owned by a man named Jerry Holly.
Holly is reportedly licensed by the US Department of Agriculture to keep 39 zebras.
BAIT AND SLEEP
Caretakers have successfully lured some of the zebras to a baited area or feeding station in the woods nearby where they’ve been spotted.
Authorities are utilizing game cameras that have captured images of the animals’ movements specifically between 2am and 4am, Taylor said.
The zebras and placed them in a tight enclosure and then tranquilized after they’re recaptured and then released back to the farm.
Taylor initially warned that while wild zebras will not attack at random, if provoked.
"They're not used to being handled by humans, so they will kick. Zebras do bite," he said.
"So please, if you happen to see them, just give us a call and let us know, but just stay away."
A local resident spotted one of the zebras grazing in her Upper Marlboro home backyard.
'ZEBRA IN OUR BACKYARD'
"I thought my mind was playing tricks on me," said Layla Curling told the station.
"Then I went upstairs to tell my mom, ‘There's a zebra in our backyard.'"
Layla's parents said they knew someone nearby owned the animals but they did not know who.
How Holly’s zebras escaped remains a mystery.
But Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) made sure nobody pointed the finger toward her.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"Local news has reported that the zebras were let loose on Saturday or Sunday of last weekend, a period of time during which I was enjoying quiet time at home with family," Norton said in a statement.
"My alibi is solid."
3
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The US Sun team?
Email us at [email protected] or call 212 416 4552.
Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at
Topics