ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 30 (UPI) -- The University of Michigan Police Department said it is hunting a "very aggressive" turkey stalking the grounds of the school's North Campus.

Deputy Chief Melissa Overton said the turkey, which gained fame from pictures posted to social media by students and faculty, was first reported in late June, and seven official reports have been filed since the start of July.


"He hasn't hurt anybody, but he's a very aggressive bird," Overton told Mlive.com. "He's also created a traffic hazard because apparently he likes to lay down in the middle of the road and not move. It can be very difficult for the buses to get around him."

She said a second turkey on the campus was struck by a car and killed in early July.

Overton said police are working on a plan to capture and relocate the turkey, which has been variously dubbed "Gobbles" and "Dr. Tom Tom" by social media users.

"When we first heard about it, we contacted the DNR [Department of Natural Resources], and their original response was they would not remove the turkey and relocate it unless it was causing damage to the buildings," Overton said. "Then we had further contact with them over the weekend and they seem to have changed their mind. We now plan to relocate the turkey the next opportunity we get."

Overton said the school's Pest Management Team is working with police on a plan to catch the turkey and turn it over to the DNR.

The deputy chief warned students and faculty to steer clear of the turkey.

"Do not try to approach the turkey," Overton said. "We've gotten calls from people who have been trapped and unable to move because he's cornered them."