Traffic-stopping turkey becomes social media star
A few weeks before the most dreadful day imaginable for birds of its ilk, a cocky wild turkey is creating havoc for drivers in Canton and Plymouth townships in Michigan – while at the same time becoming a social-media darling.
On several occasions since the beginning of October, the robust bird – one Facebook post jokingly described it as larger than her Honda CRV – has strutted boldly into the busy intersection of Beck and Joy roads and held up traffic for several minutes before walking to safety on the side of the road.
While describing the bird’s attitude as it fearlessly stands smack dab under the light at the intersection, a few Facebook posts have shared: “It looks at you as if you’re the idiot.”
Law enforcement has assisted in escorting the turkey out of the road on at least one occasion, according to Facebook user Nikki Diatto.
“A police officer stopped to get it out of the road with its lights yesterday right by the high school on Beck,” Diatto wrote. “That turkey is a trip! lol. It was totally mesmerized by the police lights.”
Mike Scott shared an experience that reflected the bird’s bravado ... or stupidity. “I had a run-in with him yesterday on Beck near the Plymouth High School entrance,” Scott posted. “Yup ... just looked at me like he wanted to challenge my F150!! lol.”
Dwayne Kelly suggested the fowl might be looking for work.
“I think he is interviewing to be a crossing guard ... lol,” Kelly joked.
Relatively speaking, turkeys have high IQS, according to onegreenplanet.org.
“Turkeys are actually quite intelligent,” an article titled “10 Reasons to Love Turkeys” said. “They exhibit problem-solving behavior and are curious and inquisitive animals. They are always checking out new sights and smells.”
Shahid Syed, who has had multiple encounters with the bird, posted: “It doesn’t care what you think, feel or believe.”
Judging by photos posted on Facebook, although the turkey does not wear a mask, it appears to be following social-distancing guidelines – a status it can only hope to continue on Thanksgiving Day and beyond.