Camel OK after enclosure escape, clipped by van

[February 07, 2013]  CONCORD, Calif. (AP) -- Officials believe a camel that escaped its enclosure twice Tuesday before being clipped by a minivan probably just wanted to be around some other animals.

The Contra Costa Times reports (http://bit.ly/TMEFcl) the single-humped camel was hit by the van as it walked along a road in Concord around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.

It was the second time Tuesday the 10-year-old camel named "Phil" escaped its enclosure. Earlier in the day citizens helped California Highway Patrol officers shepherd the camel off the roadway.

Raymond Ferrante -- a land manager for a company overseeing property where the camel is being kept -- says UC Davis veterinarians have examined it and said the camel did not suffer any broken bones, or other injuries.

Ferrante says because camels are "very social" he believes that's why Phil escaped its enclosure twice in one day.

[Associated Press]

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