BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

STOCKHOLM — State police still do not know where the water buffalo that was struck and killed by a Jeep on U.S. Highway 11 in Stockholm on Oct. 17 came from.

There is a water buffalo farm in Hammond, but police did not say the animal came from that farm. 

Two people were taken to Canton-Potsdam Hospital for evaluation following the collision, which occurred at about 6:50 p.m., according to state police.

Troopers said a red 2017 Jeep driven by Kristen L. Rozelle, 50, of Norwood, was traveling southwest when the water buffalo entered the roadway. Rozelle was unable to avoid the animal and struck it head-on.

Rozelle and her passenger, Lindsey Baker, 27, of Potsdam, were transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Neither was reportedly injured.

The water buffalo died at the scene, police said.

Asian water buffalo are the largest members of the Bovini group, which also includes bison and yaks. Adults can stand 5 to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and typically have sparse, dark gray to black coats. Both sexes grow curved horns that sweep backward in a crescent shape.

The animals have been domesticated for more than 5,000 years and have long played an important role in human livelihoods.