A drive-through nativity scene was thrown into chaos when one of the camels escaped and ran off down the road.
The animal was one of many at the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Kansas City, US.
They had been on show so families could stay in their cars to see the festive display, depicting the various scenes and culminating with Mary and Joseph in the stable.
But one of the humped animals fled on Saturday night and left the three wise men without transportation.
It made its escape into town as authorities attempted to track it down, the Bonner Spring Police Department said.
The police department in Kansas told USA Today that it "learned camels can run 40 mph" after the animal had escaped on the highway.
The camel was caught on various cameras and was seen running through local neighbourhoods and even took to the motorway.
Police said on Facebook the camel escape saga could "only be described as a scene out of another cop movie".
But the authorities initial efforts to go after the four legged fugitive did not prove fruitful.
A presenter for CNBC news said: "Cops went after it in a golf cart. Less than ideal as camels can run up to 40mph.
"Golf carts can't do that. One of the officers abandoned the vehicle and struck out on foot."
An officer finally managed to catch up to the camel with her vehicle and chased it down on foot.
The camel was safely 'taken into custody' by lasso!" police said on Facebook. "Why is lassoing not taught in schools!"
In the posting on the social network site, the police confirmed the camel was safely reunited with its owner.
