Owner of escaped antelope had no permit

HOPKINTON, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island environmental officials say the owner of an exotic antelope that escaped from a private collection in Hopkinton had been keeping the animal illegally.

State veterinarian Scott Marshall told The Associated Press on Wednesday the owner didn't have an exotic wild animal permit to keep the 500-pound antelope or four other antelopes in the collection. The antelope was being captured for relocation to Texas when it got loose Tuesday. It's still at large.

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Marshall says the department is considering penalties against the owner, whom he declined to identify. He says the owner told officials this antelope has escaped before.

The state is warning hunters not to target the antelope because it was shot with a dart containing medication that could harm humans who ingest the animal's meat.

Residents are asked to report any sightings.