PEACOCK STRUTTING ALONG BLACK RIVER?
Monday, June 9th, 2008 -- 11:50 AM
Initial reports of a male peacock roaming the Black River south of Neillsville were met with laughter and a strong belief those that saw it may have been "under the influence".But, the mystery of the Black River Peacock has been solved.
Marcia Gross lives just south of Neillsville. She was completely sober when she saw it and has since learned the magnificent bird is owned by a local resident who allows the rooster to roam in the summer before gathering it in the fall.
"They like to let him roam free, so he just walks across the neighborhood," Gross explains.
The bird has caught people by surprise, including her children.
"I did not tell them this was going on. They were downstairs playing a video game. They came upstairs with their eyes open wide and said, 'you won't believe it! There's a peacock outside,' and I just said, 'yeah, I know," Gross jokes.
Roosters are blessed with beautiful plumage, but Marcia hasn't seen it put its fan up.
"He's got 6-feet of feathers behind him, but keeps it down, he has not fanned. He comes right to the house; he's that tame," Gross says.
So, if you live in the area, or driving on either side of the Black River, keep an eye out for the Black River Peacock.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.