agressive turkey on the trail

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/04/22/wild-turkey-anacostia-attacks/

You are not going to believe what happened to me this morning at around 6:45 am on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail: I was taking photos of the marsh by the dock, south of Bladensburg Waterfront Park, and it came out of nowhere.

Before I knew it, it was approaching me with all its plumage open. In the moment, it looked as big as a … teradactyl. It was between me and my bicycle. I tried to hold my ground and made noise.

There was marsh on both sides and the only direction I could travel was further away from my bicycle because the creature was coming towards me.

A few weeks ago, I had spoken with a Park Ranger on the trail who was searching for it. Apparently it had attacked/pecked at some other people.

That is why they put the warning signs up.

At that time, I had thought the signs were an over-reaction, but in the heat of the moment, I felt compelled to run away and pick up a stick.

But it kept coming at me!!

My heart was racing.

It was circling me on the narrow road and I was trying to keep it away from me with my stick.

This revolving standoff lasted for a few minutes, but it felt longer.

Eventually, I was able to chase it into the marsh and extricate my bike.

I sped speed away. I pedaled as fast as I could. When I looked back, it was still in pursuit.

I then went to the Aquatic Gardens to report the sighting, but since it was no longer on national park property, the Park Rangers told me to call the Maryland Dept. of Parks and Planning, which I did.