One-Legged Turkey 'Eileen' Is Safe, Treated for Infection, Police Say

Update: Eileen is back in Washington Township. A representative from the Raptor Trust said the turkey was deemed healthy enough to return to her home.

A one-legged turkey that some Washington Township residents feared was in danger after witnesses saw two men snatch it up Saturday has been found and is safe, according to Washington Township Police Lt. Gregg Hackbarth.

The turkey, nicknamed "Eileen" by residents who feed her near the intersection of Pascack Road and Washington Avenue, was treated for an infection at The Raptor Trust wildlife rehabilitation facility in Millington, Hackbarth said.

After her treatment, officials planned to bring Eileen to the James A. McFaul Wildlife Center in Wyckoff. They later decided Eileen was healthy enough to return home.

McKinley Avenue resident Ruth Carrino said she and other neighbors in the area where Eileen lived were offering a reward for the bird's safe return. According to Assemblyman Bob Schroeder, the total sum offered reached $2,700.

"I'm just ecstatic," Carrino said.

According to Carrino, Eileen had been living in the area for about five years and her yard in particular for the past year. Schroeder, a Washington Township resident, said he was also glad the turkey had been found safe, describing her as an "icon" for all the drivers who pass by and commuters who catch the bus at the nearby stop.

"She's pretty much the town mascot," Carrino said. "Everybody knows her."