You could say Thanksgiving is around the corner, but this turkey is literally there... at the busy intersection of Paradise and Klein Roads in Williamsville. Stopping traffic, and stopping people.
"There's quite a bit of traffic at that intersection, so I did a u-turn and pulled off to the side," said Anissa Lukowski, a special education teacher who was on her way to a students house. Once she saw the turkey, she parked on the side of the road, and helped him cross safely.
"I was so worried that somebody was going to hit him because he wasn't moving very fast," she said.
Gus, Tom the Turkey, Klein, Paradise-Klein Turkey... those are all names residents are calling the turkey that can be seen limping through that intersection.
"I hope somebody, the SPCA or some kind of rescue can help that turkey," said Lukowski.
Her wish has been granted. The SPCA's Wildlife division has already tried to rescue it before, a task that is harder than it seems.
"He's just taking off, running, and then he just flies... he's gone," said Jessica Hill, Wildlife Hospital Assistant at the SPCA Wildlife Department.
Gone... temporarily. The SPCA tells us they'll be back at the intersection Friday morning to try and rescue the turkey once again.
"At this point, today, he knows our vehicles, he knows our uniforms, so we've got to get smarter about this plan," said Hill.
Their goal is to help the bird's injuries, and get it to a safer place.
"Our hope is that we do have the capabilities to take an x-ray, see what's going on with that leg, and fingers crossed, everything will be okay and we'll be able to find him a new home," said Hill.
"I was trying to be safe so that I didn't cause an accident but I just love animals," said Lukowski. "I can't imagine something happening to it, especially with it limping... so I just wanted to help."
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