Metro

Wild turkey on NJ Turnpike captured

A wild turkey that had played a game of chicken with highway officials along a section of the New Jersey Turnpike over the past few days won’t have to dodge cars and trucks this Thanksgiving.

That’s because NJ Fish and Wildlife officials nabbed the bird today after a series of failed attempts this past the weekend.

The turkey — named “Tammy” by toll collectors — was spotted dodging 18-wheelers near the 14B interchange in Jersey City when officials finally grabbed her.

“This bird just loved to sit there and hangout,” said NJ Turnpike spokesman Joe Orlando.

He said the 11-pound Tammy must have thought she had a wing-and-a-prayer’s chance of surviving the heavily trafficked roadway.

“She didn’t want to leave,” said Orlando. “She was fast on her feet.”

Some motorists had complained that the bird had fouled-up traffic over the past few days.

Tammy, who had taken up residence near a toll plaza, hailed from Staten Island and may have become lost.

Tammy was placed in a cardboard box and taken to a South Jersey zoo, where she will live out her days with a male turkey named Gobbler, officials said.

“I’m glad it ended happily,” said Orlando.

The operation of removing Tammy did not cost the state any extra money since wildlife officials are entrusted with keeping the turnpike free of deer, bears and other animals.