Unusual call
In April 2017, the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department encountered an extraordinary situation. A couple from Shorewood, Minnesota, returned from a brief getaway to a startling discovery at their home. It appeared there had been a break-in during their absence, turning their return into a concerning and puzzling situation.
The couple, feeling uneasy and unsure about the safety of their property, faced a moment of unexpected turmoil and disruption in their otherwise peaceful community.
Broken window
The Petersons, the couple in question, observed a shattered window upon their return, causing them considerable alarm. The broken glass suggested a violent entry, raising fears of vandalism or, worse, an ongoing burglary.
This discovery undoubtedly filled them with dread and apprehension, considering the potential danger and violation of their personal space.
Investigating the scene
Naturally, the Petersons approached the situation with caution. The sight of their home’s interior littered with glass fragments indicated a significant impact on the window.
This level of destruction suggested that whoever, or whatever, had broken in had done so with considerable force, adding to their anxiety and concern about confronting the intruder.
No concern
The intruder, upon discovery, seemed to have had little regard for stealth or subtlety. This brazen attitude suggested a lack of fear about being caught or interrupted.
When the Petersons ventured into their living room, they were met with the astonishing sight of the intruder nonchalantly occupying the space, seemingly without any concern for the owners’ return.
Lingered on the scene
This intruder had made himself quite at home, comfortably lounging on the Petersons’ couch. The shock the couple must have felt upon seeing him was indescribable. To their utter astonishment, the uninvited guest was not a human burglar but a large wild turkey, confidently perched in their living space as if it belonged there.
To their utter astonishment, the uninvited guest was not a human burglar but a large wild turkey, confidently perched in their living space as if it belonged there.
Not so cuddly
While a wild turkey intruder might not initially seem menacing, these birds can be surprisingly aggressive. There have been multiple incidents where turkeys, usually seen as benign, have caused chaos in neighborhoods.
With their formidable wings, sharp beaks, and dangerous talons known as spurs, turkeys are equipped to cause considerable harm, especially to unsuspecting or vulnerable individuals.
Turkey attacks
The concept of a “pecking order” is particularly apt in describing turkey behavior. Without clear and firm boundaries, turkeys often take it upon themselves to establish dominance.
This can lead to aggressive behavior, posing a real threat, particularly to the elderly and young children, who may be more vulnerable to attacks from such assertive wildlife.
Calling 911
Considering the potential danger, Barry Peterson resorted to using a broom to maintain a safe distance from the turkey. Simultaneously, his wife took the initiative to call 911, seeking assistance for this bizarre and unexpected home intrusion.
Her call reflected the uniqueness of their predicament, highlighting their uncertainty about how to deal with such an unusual situation.
Stunned silence
As she explained the scenario to the 911 operator, the absurdity of the situation became apparent. A wild turkey had not just trespassed but had caused actual property damage by breaking through their front window.
The police department’s reaction, as evident from their Facebook page, mirrored the Petersons’ surprise and disbelief at this extraordinary and unconventional home invasion incident.
Lurky turkey
On April 3, 2017, the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department shared a peculiar incident on their Facebook page. A Shorewood resident had returned home to discover a broken window and an unexpected visitor comfortably situated on their sofa.
This uninvited guest humorously introduced himself as “Tom,” a name that turned out to be quite fitting for the situation.
No sign of leaving
In the world of birds, male turkeys are commonly known as Toms or gobblers. This particular Tom seemed to have made himself right at home, showing no signs of leaving and effectively claiming the sofa as his territory.
The Petersons, meanwhile, were engaged in a futile attempt to persuade their feathery squatter to vacate the premises, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the police.
They tried to lure him
Despite the Petersons’ efforts to coax the turkey out by leaving the front door open, Tom was far more interested in the comforts of the living room. The couple tried various tactics to deter the bird, getting close to him in an attempt to guide him outdoors.
However, Tom appeared to find the allure of the couch irresistible, stubbornly staying put.
New strategy
The Petersons’ subtle hints for Tom to leave were met with staunch indifference from the turkey. Tom did explore the premises, occasionally approaching the window.
This led the Petersons to hope that opening the window might provide an alternative exit for their stubborn guest.
Authorities arrive
In a surprising turn of events, Tom the turkey displayed a complete lack of interest in both the open door and window, choosing instead to continue his serene occupation of the Petersons’ couch. This unusual standoff, featuring a wild turkey comfortably ensconced in a suburban living room, was unexpectedly interrupted by the arrival of a police officer from the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department.
The officer, upon entering the residence, was immediately confronted with the unusual sight of Tom, the unbothered avian intruder, lounging on the furniture. The scene was so out of the ordinary that it bordered on the surreal, presenting the officer with a scenario that was undoubtedly a first in his career.
Posing for pictures
The officer, tasked with resolving this unique situation, made sure to secure the exits to prevent any further escapades by the turkey. Recognizing the rarity of this encounter, he sought permission from the Petersons to document the moment. With their approval, he proceeded to take several photographs of Tom, who seemed surprisingly cooperative and almost enjoyed the attention, posing nonchalantly for the camera.
Despite this seemingly calm demeanor, Tom’s disregard for authority and the seriousness of the situation was evident. He remained unfazed by the presence of law enforcement, challenging the typical dynamic between humans and wildlife in such circumstances.
One stubborn bird
Despite the absurdity of the situation, the officer maintained a professional and amiable attitude, attempting to gently coax Tom towards the exit. However, his efforts were met with stubborn resistance from the turkey, who seemed to have developed a fond attachment to the couch.
The bird displayed a mix of comfort and slight unease but showed no signs of vacating his newfound perch. In light of this, the officer patiently awaited additional support, hoping that the arrival of backup would help persuade Tom to leave his temporary refuge.
Calling in backup
Shortly thereafter, reinforcements arrived in the form of two more police officers, ready to aid in the delicate task of removing Tom from the Peterson household. The team of officers now had the challenging task of evicting the unyielding turkey.
With Tom essentially cornered and the only escape routes being the strategically open door and window, the officers coordinated their efforts to encourage the bird to abandon its comfortable spot on the couch and exit the house.
No options left
The new arrivals came equipped for the task at hand, with one officer carrying a flashlight. In a clever maneuver, they decided to use the flashlight in conjunction with the flash from the first officer’s camera phone. This unexpected burst of light proved to be the turning point in the standoff.
Startled by the sudden illumination, Tom finally relinquished his hold on the couch and began to consider the idea of leaving through the open door, marking a pivotal moment in the encounter.
Ultimate escape
Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, which involved the breaking of a window and the invasion of a private residence, the police were relieved to find that Tom was in perfect health. The department shared this positive news on their Facebook page, reassuring the public that “the wild turkey was not injured.”
In a somewhat anticlimactic but welcome conclusion to the saga, Tom eventually decided to leave the house of his own accord. He chose a nearby oak tree as his next destination, likely to the relief of the Petersons and their neighbors. This new perch in the oak tree was hopefully a more suitable and less disruptive roost for Tom, marking the end of his unexpected adventure in suburbia.