Wild turkey survives big rig windshield strike

A trucker got a serious surprise this week when a wild turkey went through the semi’s windshield — and lived to tell the tale.

The turkey strike took place on Tuesday, March 26, at Highway 3 and Inman Side Road near Kingsville, Ontario.

According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), a wild turkey crashed through the windshield of a big rig as the truck was in motion.

Surprisingly, OPP reported “no injuries” to either the truck driver or the turkey.

“It’s important to always pay attention and have full control of your vehicle,” OPP said.

It’s “Turkey Season,” Troopers Warn

The trucker involved in the Kingsville turkey strike was much luckier than another semi truck driver who also tangled with a turkey in Missouri earlier this month.

On March 13, Texas-based truck driver Kevin Battaglia, 63, was traveling on eastbound I-44 in Jasper County, Missouri, when a turkey went through his windshield. The bird strike caused Battaglia to lose control of his truck and crash into a cable barrier. He was hospitalized with moderate injuries.

Following Battaglia’s accident, the Missouri State Highway Patrol warned drivers to be aware of possible bird strikes:

“With turkey season just around the corner, it’s important to remember that big birds will be on the move. It’s also important to keep your eyes constantly scanning outside while driving. This is what happens when a turkey hits a windshield at highway speeds.“

With turkey season just around the corner, it’s important to remember that big birds will be on the move. It’s also important to keep your eyes constantly scanning outside while driving. This is what happens when a turkey hits a windshield at highway speeds.#BeSafeOutThere pic.twitter.com/J5lrjUa5DR

— MSHP Troop D (@MSHPTrooperD) March 15, 2024