Mystery turkey reported in West Seattle

Did you see that turkey?

That’s what many West Seattle residents are asking after sightings of a turkey roaming the streets. The West Seattle Blog reports that a mystery bird appears briefly and then disappears. There is a debate of what exactly the bird is, but the best guess is a wild turkey of some kind.

Seattle Animal Control is aware of the phantom turkey, but no officials have seen it yet.

“We are not sure if it is a domestic turkey or wild turkey,” said Don Baxter with the Seattle Animal Shelter. “The reports about the coloring and pattern suggest more of a wild turkey. There is no indication of it being injured, just that it is in the area.”

Baxter said that the turkey has mostly been spotted around the Spokane Street and West Seattle Bridge area. The West Seattle Blog has photos of the bird, but the pictures are blurry — akin to a photograph of Bigfoot.

“It’s not normal,” he said. “If a turkey is loose, it’s usually like one of those domesticated ones. Like a backyard, barnyard pet. Not wild turkeys.”

Baxter said wild turkeys sightings are rare in Seattle. Coyotes, raccoons, opossums, even deer — sure. But turkeys?

“Turkeys are not a call that we get,” Baxter said. “It is unusual to have a report of a turkey in the city limits of Seattle, so I’m not sure how it came into the city.”

Baxter said that animal control will respond to reports of injured wildlife or wildlife that is threatening public safety. Otherwise, they usually just let the wildlife be.

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