Officials say a beloved turkey, nicknamed “Tina” and having become a familiar sight at a busy Crystal Lake intersection, has died after being hit by a vehicle.
The McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center said in April 2024 that a turkey had been living around the agency’s building, which is located on Route 14 near Woodstock Street in Crystal Lake.
McHenry County Animal Control said the turkey had a limp which made her appear as if she had a severe injury.
Animal control previously attempted to capture her but she evaded every attempt.
The turkey, nicknamed “Tina,” had been living with the injury for an extensive period of time but was still able to run fast and fly up into trees.
“We appreciate and respect everyone’s interest in her care…but at this time she appears to be thriving and happy! She seems to like it here, and will most likely be staying for the unforeseen future!” the agency said last year.
Earlier this month, McHenry County Animal Control said that “Tina the Turkey” had returned to the area.
Residents on Thursday reported seeing a dead turkey near Route 14 and Route 176 in Crystal Lake.
McHenry County Department of Health Public Information Officer Nick Kubiak confirmed to Lake and McHenry County Scanner that the turkey was indeed “Tina the Turkey.”
She had lived for two years with a broken leg and had become a familiar sight near the intersection of Route 176 and Route 14 in Crystal Lake before being “unable to make it across the road.”
“She had flown, run, and evaded capture over the years,” Kubiak said.
McHenry County Animal Control responded and picked up the deceased turkey following her death.
Kubiak said animal control does not typically pick up deceased wildlife but an exception was made due to the public attention Tina had received and because she was found in the middle of the roadway, which was impeding traffic.