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Rooster Quarantined After Attacking Elderly Woman At Cemetery

GENEVA TOWNSHIP (WWJ/AP) - A renegade rooster is under quarantine after attacking an 83-year-old woman who was visiting a loved one's grave at a southwestern Michigan cemetery.

MLive.com reports the rooster was one of two at Chambers Cemetery in Van Buren County's Geneva Township on Thursday that was bothering the Spring Lake woman and her 53-year-old daughter, who is from Norton Shores. The women retreated to their vehicle and called 911.

Sheriff's Sgt. David Walker said the rooster "drew blood" from the older woman's lower leg, but she refused treatment.

Authorities later found the roosters' owner next door to the cemetery. Walker said the owner caught both birds and will quarantine the attacker for 10 days.

According to Walker, chickens and roosters are generally free-roaming animals under law, with a few exceptions.

Township Supervisor Nancy Whaley said she was attacked by the same bird a few weeks ago.

Animal experts say, in most cases, standing firm along with a gentle shooing may be enough to send an angry bird flying. In the case of more aggressive animals, it's best to avoid turning your back and just quietly back away.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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