Along the road I travel to my house, there’s a resident wild turkey who thinks he is a pet dog.  He has adopted a couple, Ben and Judy, and hangs out in their yard most days.  If you dare to slow down in front of Ben and Judy’s house, you will be met by an aggressive guard-turkey — running straight at your car, wings flailing.

The other day, I happened to be headed out when Mr. Turkey and his humans were out for their afternoon walk.  (Ben and Judy are awesome neighbors — combining exercise with picking up debris along the road.)  Mr. Turkey struts along with his humans.  No leash required.  Well, that was until I showed up on the road walking toward the trio.  Mr. Turkey went into defense mode — moving ahead of Ben and Judy — toward me.  Judy stepped off the road to break a twig she would use to show the turkey who is boss.  There was never an intent to strike the turkey, but Mr. Turkey immediately scooted behind Ben like a child who had just been scolded.  Ben warned him, finger waving:  “You behave!”

The only time the turkey broke from his defensive posture was when a car approached.  To further demonstrate his canine leanings, off he trotted to chase the car down the road.  I can’t even tell you how many times he has chased my car.  If I slow down, he struts up to my car window and glares at me.  So far, my Pit Bull passenger has slept through this face-to-face confrontation — a good thing for all of us!

Enjoy the video — A Wild Turkey Who Thinks He Is A Pet Dog

As for the less-than-perfect video, please keep in mind I was walking backward — NEVER taking my eye off the large-taloned bird who stood half my height!