What killed my full grown meat turkey?!?!

[Eastkyfarmer]

We live in eastern Kentucky with coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and raccoons. We found our 35-40lb meat turkey dead in broad daylight. Something grabbed her by the throat but wasn’t strong enough to drag her off. Any ideas what this was?

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC & so sorry for your loss. Was she killed during the day?

 

[Eastkyfarmer]

Welcome to BYC & so sorry for your loss. Was she killed during the day?

During the day, went for just the throat. Found her at the edge of an overgrown field. No stray dogs are ever around and we live out in the country.

Thinking a coyote might be the culprit?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Possibly a Bobcat Sport kill.

 

[muddy75]

Welcome to BYC…..so sorry for your loss. It could’ve been any of the predators listed, but coyote sounds most plausible for a daytime kill. (But I have seen bobcats out in the middle of the day as well) Putting out a game camera in that area might catch likely suspects to better protect your remaining birds

 

[Eastkyfarmer]

Possibly a Bobcat Sport kill.

I didn’t find any claw marks anywhere. I also heard the coyotes barking over the hill.