Terrorist Turkeys

11/25/2009

Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, great food and reflecting on all things in life for which we should be thankful.  It's also a holiday that prominently features an animal: the turkey.

Wild turkeys are odd creatures indeed.  They are large birds and travel in flocks, but they can be as quiet and elusive as cats when they don't want to be seen.  Unlike domesticated white turkeys, wild turkeys are expert fliers.  Males have bright blue, featherless faces with fleshy protuberances called caruncles that hang down over their beaks, and red growths called wattles on their necks.  When the turkey is excited all of these parts engorge and brighten (see photo).  Males have inch long spurs on their legs which they can use to inflict a nasty wound on would-be predators and they eat everything from acorns to ferns to salamanders.

But the oddest thing about wild turkeys is the fact that brutal attacks on people are on the rise - by turkeys!  Read the full story here and then check out the YouTube videos below of turkeys terrorizing unsuspecting people (warning: videos have some mild language that parents nonetheless might decide is inappropriate for young children).

Have happy and safe Thanksgiving, and make sure you say a special thanks to the turkey and any other animals that are part of your meal!