Antelope on the loose in southern Rhode Island

Hopkinton, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island environmental officials are asking residents to report any sightings of an antelope that escaped from a private wildlife collection in Hopkinton.

The Department of Environmental Management says the 500-pound animal was being captured for relocation to Texas when it escaped Tuesday. The antelope belongs to a species native to Asia and is described as resembling a large brown deer without antlers.

The antelope had been part of a private animal collection in the Woodville-Alton Road section of Hopkinton.

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

Anyone who sees the antelope is asked to report it immediately to the Department of Environmental Management.