Even though the cops shot our mascot, I love my wacky little town

I'm pretty certain this story could only happen in a small town.

For months, we've had a rogue turkey living next to Five Corners, the craziest intersection in town. I had seen this turkey a few times and think it may have been the one written about in the newspaper back in April:

3:06 p.m. - Caller reported an injured wild turkey at the Highland Plaza, Robert Drive. Animal Control Officer responded, reported turkey was now sun-bathing in a bush does not look injured.

Ahhh, yes, that had to be Freddy.

Freddy the turkey didn't just live near the intersection. He walked into traffic, playing chicken-- so to speak-- with the cars that screeched to a halt to let him pass. He pecked at the door of a local church, visited our nearby Target and even strolled the aisles of the dollar store.

But, his thing was motorcycles.

Unfortunately motorcycles don't really want to be chased by a turkey as they try to drive down the street. So, let's just say that after one-too-many complaints about Freddy, he met with a bullet to the gullet from our local police.

I won't use this space to rant about  how I feel about this decision (I don't like it), but I understand that a well-known turkey causing a major crash in a busy intersection spells l-a-w-s-u-i-t in this day and age. But, really, was it the best, and only, option? I think not.

But, what has been hilariously heartwarming is the outpouring of love for Freddy since news of his death started traveling around town. The Five Corners Turkey Facebook page has over 1,500 fans. There have been news reports on radio and TV. A local used-car dealer has even set up a makeshift memorial, which we visited today.

Cars honked constantly while we were there. And, I suppose that was fitting for the turkey who liked to walk into traffic.

Comments

[Audrey at Barking Mad!]

I call dibs on the drumstick!

Just kidding.

Wasn't there a more humane way they could have handled this? Like a net or even a tranq dart and then relocating it? Even if it was just to a protected sanctuary of some kind.

[Maddy]

What an entertaining corner of the planet.

[Used Cars Sale]

Hey Happy family and had a good fun.
http://www.mygulfcar.com