UPDATE: All Three Bison Have All Been Returned To Their Pen

AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine (WAGM) - The Fort Fairfield Police Department responded to a report of loose bison on Route 167 (Presque Isle Road) early Monday morning, February 27, 2023. According to reports, the bison had escaped from their enclosure due to several breaks in the fence.

With the assistance of the Maine Warden Service, Forest Service, Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office, Presque Isle Police Dept, Fort Fairfield Fire Rescue and local snowmobiler Gary Johnson, officers were able to recover two of the bison and return them safely to their pen. They were chased from Bryant Pond Rd in Fort Fairfield, down to Maple Grove Road, across Route 167 and continued until they were returned to their pen. The chase even resulted in the bison ending up on Quaggy Jo, forcing a cancellation of the after school ski program at the ski center.

Two volunteers, Chrissy MacFarland and Devin Michaud assisted with repairing the fence to prevent further issues.

The last bison was located on Route 167 on Tuesday and the owner, Presque Isle and Fort Fairfield police departments were able to get the animal home safely.

Earlier, Fort Fairfield Police Chief Matthew Cummings says they are now working on “police related matters to follow up with the owner” and charges may be pending.