At the beginning, the turkey was a mere curiosity. It had arrived in the town of Johnston, Rhode Island, in May, along with two other birds, and taken up residence outside town hall. Wild turkeys aren’t uncommon in that part of the world, but residents thought it unusual when the birds were still hanging around days later. Locals quickly warmed to the new neighbors, taking photos and even setting up a Facebook page. It was all good fun……until the turkeys began meddling in the town’s administrative affairs. They were scaring people away who tried to go into town hall to do business. Mayor Joseph Polisena summoned animal control and two of the birds were captured. The third, however, escaped and is still wreaking havoc on Johnston. It has pinned people inside their vehicles, engaged in bouts of vicious pecking, and repeatedly outwitted local officials. The wild turkey — dubbed “Al Capone” — even chased a fireman. The turkey has learned to recognize animal the control officers' vehicles and runs away when they approach. That has led to officers using an “undercover vehicle.” Anticipating having to put up with the rogue turkey for the unforeseeable future, Mayor Polisena said he’s already told his wife to make lasagna for Thanksgiving. “I already told my wife don’t make turkey because I’ll have flashbacks and nightmares of trying to capture this guy.”
