'Give it a carrot': Rick Ross thanks community, team for getting buffaloes home safely

Bison owned by rapper Rick Ross escaped his Georgia property and made their way into a neighbor's yard, the musician confirmed on his Instagram story Sunday.

In a video obtained by TMZ, an individual records animals walking around in someone's yard.

"I come to the office and I pull in the driveway and this was outside," the person recording says. "The office that I am in, it's like a home office and look what's in the yard. I was so scared."

People in the video appear to try and direct the animals elsewhere.

A neighbor said she's worried the animals could hurt her children, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. She tried calling police, who told her it's a civil dispute.

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What Rick Ross is saying

Ross chimed in on his Instagram story Sunday.

"For everybody that's wanting a statement and a response (about) my bulls, my cows, a couple of buffalos that got away in the community, this is my response: I always return stray animals," he said, urging the public to keep their animals collared.

"Mine don't have a collar because you know it's mine," he said. "When you see my buffalo, give it a carrot. Give it an apple. They're so kind and so peaceful."

He also thanked everyone who helped make sure his animals got back safely to the property, which he calls “The Promise Land."

"You may deal with puppies, dogs, I deal with cattle," Ross said. "I want to thank all the neighbors, Fayetteville, and of course my team ... the whole squad for making sure all our animals made it back safe."

On Tuesday, Ross posted videos calling himself Rodeo Rick as he fed his horses carrots.

He also gave social media users a close-up shot of his bison, one of whom is named "Timbuktu."

"When y'all come across Timbuktu, just tell him y'all family," Ross said. "Say 'I'm coming to show you love.'"

Donned in a fur coat, the rapper later struck a few poses next to the bison as well.

What officials are saying about the animals

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office also posted about the situation on Facebook Monday without name-dropping the rapper.

The sheriff's office said on March 13, "buffalo decided to take a stroll around Fayette County and explore the beautiful homes of the Northbridge Community."

The office is working with the Fayette County Marshal’s Office to "remedy the situation," the post read.

"Sheriff Babb and Chief Deputy Rhodes have also been in communication with Northbridge residents since last week listening to these concerns," said the post. "While it is legal to own livestock (cattle, sheep, horses, goats, etc.), in Fayette County, the owner is responsible for properly restraining the animals. If the owner is shown to be negligent, they could be charged."

Officials said people who come across the animals should be careful. Calling the animals "mostly docile," the sheriff's office said they are unpredictable and can be aggressive.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757 – and loves all things horror, witches, Christmas, and food. Follow her on Twitter at @Saleen_Martin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rick Ross buffalo escape prompts neighbor complaints, rapper response