By Tim Binnall
Authorities in Washington D.C. and Maryland are searching for a rather sizeable wild turkey that is believed to be behind a series of attacks on unsuspecting residents. The bellicose bird's bizarre reign of terror has reportedly been unfolding for the past several months along the Anacostia River Walk Trail in the nation's capital. While the area is home to around 100 of the creatures, authorities believe that there is one particularly pugnacious turkey that has turned territorial in the park and developed a distaste for humans encroaching on its turf.
While the animal's antics may be amusing to some, they are no laughing matter to those who experience the bird's belligerence. One unfortunate resident who ran afoul of the ferocious fowl even needed needed medical attention following the attack and recalled how "like some cartoon, I had to use my purse to beat it back" as a means of escaping the harrowing encounter. Another individual who tangled with the turkey described it as a "scary situation" wherein the bird nearly knocked him off his bike and "then proceeded to chase me around for five minutes."
Incredibly, after the animal has grown tired of pursuing the man, it turned its attention towards another bicyclist on the trail. In a video of the epic showdown, which can be seen above, the targeted woman frantically tries to avoid the creature by using her bike as a shield and calling out for help. "I put the phone down and picked up the biggest twig I could find and started whacking the bird," the man explained, indicating that the defensive measure managed to cause the angry animal to flee the scene.
Having received several similar reports of the truculent turkey terrorizing visitors to the trail, authorities posted signs at the location to warn people about the combative creature and set about trying to capture the animal. However, it would appear that the feisty fowl is one step ahead of its pursuers as it now suspected of having crossed into Maryland. This had led to at least three different agencies joining in the hunt for the turkey which may very well be America's most wanted bird at the moment.