A zebra that escaped from a Maryland farm has died, officials say

One of three zebras that were on the loose in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Prince George's County, Md., since August has been found dead.

The zebra was reportedly found on private property in Upper Marlboro, Md., on Sept. 16, said Lauren Moses, spokesperson for the Maryland Natural Resources Police, in an email to NPR.

According to Moses, officers arrived at the property and discovered — in a snare trap near a field — a dead zebra, which officials believe is one of the zebras that have been on the loose in the county.

According to the state's Natural Resources Department, it is illegal to use, sell, possess, set, place or maintain a snare trap in seven out of 23 Maryland counties, one of them being Prince George's.

Right now, an investigation is underway to determine who set the trap on the private property.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police along with the Prince George's County, Md., Animal Facility will conduct the investigation, Moses said.

The person who set the trap could face charges.

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