Extra Special Pets & Animals
Nov 27, 2009 6:37 pm US/Central
Wild Turkey Causing Ruckus In Brooklyn Park
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Police are hoping neighbors will stop feeding their adopted pet, so that he may leave on his own, but neighbors said it's just so tempting.
CBS
Thanksgiving is over, but there is plenty of turkey talk going on in the city of Brooklyn Park. A wild turkey has taken over an intersection in the city. The police department has been trying to trap to the wayward bird, but now the neighbors are trying to keep him.
"He's kinda like a little mascot for the neighborhood, it's fun to see him," said neighbor Rick Spicer.
Some neighbors call him Tom or Turk, but the police call this once wild turkey a problem.
"We've had several close calls -- vehicles stopping to avoid hitting the turkey, they're almost rear ended. Eventually people are getting frustrated and they're passing on the shoulder. We've had reports of kids out in the street, chasing the turkey, wanting to pet the turkey. Which again was a pretty dangerous situation," explained Capt. Craig Enevoldsen of the Brooklyn Park Police Department.
He's made the intersection of Brookdale Drive and Newton Avenue North his home.
Neighbors said he loves cars, especially squad cars. Neighbors have watched him chase police cars down the street. However, he doesn't let the police get too close.
"He's kind of a fugitive from the law because I've watched the cops try to catch him and they can't," said neighbor Gary Smith.
This is one slippery bird. Neighbors said they've even seen him outrun cars, but as the city tries harder to catch him, the neighborhood has worked to keep him.
The turkey's supporters have called city hall.
"The majority of the neighbors do want the turkey to stay," added Spicer. "Yeah, in the traffic he's a bad boy, but otherwise he's good."
A trap set out last week disappeared and a professional trapper hasn't been able to get cooperation from homeowners. So the stand-off continues. Police are hoping neighbors will stop feeding their adopted pet, so that he may leave on his own, but neighbors said it's just so tempting.
"He's a problem, but how can you not love him," said Smith.
If the police are able to capture the turkey, it will be handed over to the DNR.
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