By Monty Siekerman
Don’t read this story to a hungry fox.

Richard the Rooster lives. He has survived the many cars traveling South Johnson Street, neighborhood dogs and cats, and all manner of critters that roam, maybe even a sly fox or two.

- MORE RICHARD PHOTOS BELOW -

The fancy chicken even lived through Ada’s winter. Remember when on it was 11 degrees below zero on January 2? Snows didn’t lead to his demise either. The bird continues to peck away at the ground for food (I think a kind neighbors occasionally throws out corn), and the alert rooster has no problem flying high into a tree when danger (I.e. a photographer) approaches.

The Ada Icon has been following Richard the Rooster since last July. Here’s the backstory:

Eight months ago Richard flew the coop. He was found at a home nearby on East Lehr. An Ada Icon story drew the attention of the owner, who retrieved the wayward cock from the neighbor. But, the ingenious bird escaped again, this time traveling farther from home. When he got to Johnson Street a right hand turn would have found him near McDonalds, a place that sells hundreds of chicken sandwiches every day. Not good for a chicken on the loose.

Fortunately, Richard the Rooster turned south and has taken up abode among the century-old, stately homes in the 500 block of South Johnson.

Here’s photo proof that Richard lives. He was “shot” by the camera lens on Tuesday afternoon.