UC Davis Vets Operate On Wild Turkey Pierced By Arrow
DAVIS (CBS13) – A wild turkey that had been pierced by an arrow and had been roaming around Davis has been saved, according to the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
The turkey was first spotted last week with an arrow in its tail. But it wasn't until this morning that a state Department of Fish and Game warden and a wildlife veterinarian were able to capture the injured fowl using a net gun.
The bird was taken to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine where a team of veterinarians evaluated the turkey including taking x-rays to determine the extent of the injury.
Luckily, the arrow only pierced the soft tissue of the bird's behind and missed the turkey's vital organs. Vets then operated on the wounded bird, removing the arrow and administering medication.
The bird was released soon after because captivity is highly stressful for wild birds, according to the wildlife veterinarian.
Wild turkey season is open through Nov. 27, but this turkey was shot before the season opened, according to Patrick Foy of the Dept. of Fish and Game. The turkey was also wounded with a target arrow instead of a hunting arrow. Both actions are illegal.
Watch CBS13 News at 10:00 for more on the turkey's operation and release.
