Logo for Newslink Indiana at Ball State University Logo for Newslink Indiana at Ball State University

Popularity of "Southside Turkey" causes some concerns

MUNCIE, Ind.--- The southside turkey in Muncie has grown in popularity since residents

began spotting it frequently on the same corner of Madison Street and East 29th Street.

Since then, the Muncie bird has become an icon. So much so that Gary Townsend created

a Facebook group to honor the famous gobbler.

“We just want everyone to enjoy it and have some fun out of it,” said Townsend.

The Facebook group started on Feb. 3 and already has 1,100 followers. Currently, the

page is collecting a list of names for the turkey.

While many people enjoy watching the notorious bird, some have raised concerns about

its safety. Townsend mentioned how the bird runs out in the middle of the road often, and people

have to help it across the road.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Research Biologist Steve Backs said

that people who try to care for the bird might cause more problems.

He said it is up to the City of Muncie and the animal control program whether to remove

the bird.

“Anytime you concentrate wild animals, or for that matter any organism within a

location, the probability of disease or increased predation is going to occur,” said Backs.

Backs noted isolating and maintaining distance will help decrease the possibility of

transferring a pathogen.

As for keeping their distance, Townsend has been supporting the local turkey virtually

and hopes more people will use it to share their stories and photographs.

Contact Katherine Sehgal with comments at klsehgal@bsu.edu.