Turkey Attacked New Canaan Woman and Chihuahua: Report

NEW CANAAN, CT- A local woman reported that a vicious turkey attacked her and her chihuahua.

The incident happened about two weeks ago near Briscoe and Cross Ridge roads, according to the New Canaanite.

Fran Smith said that she was walking with her husband and five-year-old chihuahua Moomoo when the male turkey appeared.

Smith's husband waved his arms to try and shoo away the turkey, but the turkey spread its wings and made a snaking motion with its neck before running toward Smith and Moomoo.

Her husband grabbed a branch and eventually gave the turkey a good whack in an effort to give the group enough time to leave the area.

Turkeys were at one time abundant in Connecticut, but forest clearing and severe winters eliminated them during the early 1800's, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Wild turkeys were released at 18 sites between 1975 and 1992 and the population rebounded and has spread to all towns in the state.

Adult males can weigh between 15 and 25 pounds. According to DEEP:

Males or “toms” are dark in coloration with iridescent feathers. They have a fleshy, unfeathered head that is brightly-colored in red, white, and blue, especially during the mating season. Toms also have spurs (up to 1.5 inches in length) on their legs, and a hair-like beard (up to 12 inches long) protruding from their breast.

Read the full New Canaanite story here.

Image via U.S. Department of Agriculture