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Police: Camel tramples 2 people to death at Texas farm

A camel named Otis pokes its head through the fence of its pasture in Richmond, Vt., Monday, Oct. 6, 2008. Owner Darin Pratt bought Otis from a Massachusetts farmer two years ago. He had heard camels had a lot of personality and wanted a fun pet. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (AP) – Authorities say a camel in Texas trampled to death its caretaker and another man at a ranch that often invited children to see the humped animals.

An investigation continued Sunday in the weekend deaths at Camel Kisses Ranch near Wichita Falls. Authorities say they have removed a large, aggressive camel that was in a fenced area.

The Wichita Falls Times Record News reported that 72-year-old Peggye McNair and 53-year-old Mark Mere were found dead Saturday in the fenced area. McNair had raised camels for nearly 20 years.

The Wichita County Sheriff’s Office said in statement that both were apparently trampled. It was not clear what may have provoked the camel.

An autopsy was ordered on both bodies.

Wichita Falls is about 140 miles north of Dallas.*Featured photo is an unrelated file photo.