Cock-a-doodle-doo! Caught in the act crowing while crossing the road.

I wonder why this rooster wants to cross the road in the first place?

These colorful male avians are plentiful in the Key West area, and have become a pleasing sight for both locals and tourists alike.

But did you know that chickens weren't native to the American continent? They were originally brought here by migrants from the Carribbean islands, where they were a delicacy.

Aside from being bred for their meat, hens were also bred for their eggs, while the roosters were bred for cockfighting, which was popular entertainment during that time.

It was not until the 1970s that cockfighting was made illegal in the state, and because of this, many of the prized roosters were simply set free, roaming the streets of Key West until today.

This, of course, presented an issue to the local government so they hired a chicken catcher to control the rooster population. This was a very controversial decision to the locals (who came to fall in love with the roosters), so when the contractor quit in less than a year, the post was discontinued.

I agree with that. The rooster just wants to cross the road.

Why not let him?