OPP remind drivers not to stop for animals after turkey loose on Hwy. 417
Posted Apr 9, 2026 11:16:05 AM.
Last Updated Apr 9, 2026 11:42:37 AM.
Police were on scene near St. Laurent Boulevard attempting to capture a loose turkey on the highway.
Officers with the Ontario Provincial Police blocked a few lanes of traffic eastbound after a turkey “decided to take a stroll” on the busy roadway.
“Officers had successfully herded the turkey to a grassy area of the highway; however, the turkey re-entered the highway multiple times,” a post on social media reads.
At some point during the incident, the animal jumped over the median when it was struck by a westbound vehicle.
During the chase, officers had three other drivers stop along the highway to try to help them. Police said in a press release later that they do not recommend people stop to assist animals, as it can result in collisions and injuries.
“We understand and appreciate people wanting to help, but please do not stop on the highways,” police said.
Officials told CityNews in a message that there have been multiple sightings of turkeys along Highway 417 in recent weeks. Police said they have not heard of any collisions linked to the large birds, but that portions of the roadway near Lees Avenue are one of the areas where a turkey was seen.
This is not the first time police were needed to wrangle an animal on an Ottawa-area highway.
Last May, a young goat caused chaos for drivers in Grenville. The animal, which officers named Vincent Van Goat, was roaming Highway 416 and 401 for over a day before it was captured. Police said they responded to multiple traffic complaints from the “baaaad boy.”
It took about an hour of running around for officers to contain Vinny, who was completely unharmed from the adventures.
“While it isn’t a common call for service for police, it was definitely a good example of why remaining fit for duty is important,” OPP Constable Dave Holmes said of the situation.
Click here to watch a video of police capturing the goat.
