Turkey 'begging for Munchkins' at Dunkin' drive-thru has ruffled feathers on social media
A turkey with a Rhode Islander's affection for Dunkin' has ruffled some feathers on social media.
The turkey hangs out at a Dunkin' drive-thru on Route 3 in West Greenwich in the apparent hope that a kind customer will toss it a Munchkin, jelly doughnut or French kruller.
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With a photo of the bird perched between the drive-thru window and a line of cars, Facebook user Brooke Bourget wrote Monday, "This poor guy is going to be dead soon, turkeys (aren't) meant to live off of donuts ... He needs to go back into the woods and not be begging for munchkins at the the dunkin drive thru."
The turkey also frequents a nearby coffee shop and gas station, according to Bourget.
The post had drawn 272 reactions, 132 comments and 100 shares as of about 6:45 a.m. Tuesday.
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It drew the attention of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, which advises against sharing breakfast sandwiches or anything else with wild animals.
Not everyone agrees.
"This turkey is living a life turkeys only dream of and giving (a lot) of people and kids joy," wrote Facebook user Tim Heffernan. "Let him have a thick girl summer and he'll be extra ready and prepared to make it (through) winter. Humans (aren't meant) to live on pizza and beer but most of us are doing ... fine."
The post engendered a debate on the bird's gender and at least one Facebook user suggested the turkey was being body shamed for its choice of food.
The DEM shared the post with the following message:
"Rhode Islanders should never intentionally feed turkeys – feeding wildlife is illegal in Rhode Island not only because of this risk to turkeys, but it can also lead to conflicts between humans and wildlife, increase the risk of disease and lead to unsustainable populations of wildlife. Feeding turkeys, either directly or indirectly, can cause turkeys to become tame and can lead to bold or aggressive behavior around humans."
Facebook user Matthew Lawrence wrote, "It's too late! This bird's a fast food junkie now!"
jperry@providencejournal.com
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On Twitter: @jgregoryperry
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: West Greenwich Dunkin' attracts turkey to drive-through
