Local News

MassWildlife warns residents about aggressive turkeys during breeding season

The agency says feeding the large birds is the worst thing you can do.

Carlin Stiehl for The Boston Globe

By Emily Spatz

2 minutes to read

State officials are giving residents tips about how to avoid confrontations with wild turkeys as the birds’ mating season gets into full swing. 

March through May is breeding season for turkeys, and male turkeys may exhibit aggressive or intimidating behavior towards people as they try to express social dominance within the flock, according to MassWildlife. Turkey threats during this season include pecking, following, and even attacking people they view as threats.

“Turkeys may attempt to dominate or attack people that they view as subordinates, and this behavior is observed most during breeding season,” MassWildlife’s alert, published earlier this month, reads. “They may also respond aggressively and peck shiny objects like windows or vehicles, interpreting their own reflection as an intruding turkey.”

Advertisement:

And the birds — which can run up to 25 miles per hour and fly up to 55 miles per hour — have proven to be a legitimate public safety hazard in the past. Last April, a postal carrier had to have his hip replaced after being attacked by a flock of wild turkeys in Cambridge, and in 2018, a driver suffered injuries when one of the birds flew into a car windshield. 

The main way to cut back on aggressive behavior, according to officials, is to never feed the birds. Turkeys become comfortable in the presence of humans when they are fed, which encourages aggressive behavior. 

Advertisement:

“The most effective action people can take to prevent conflicts with turkeys is to stop feeding them,” said Dave Scrapitti, MassWildlife’s turkey biologist, in a statement. “Providing food, whether intentional or not, can cause turkeys to act tame and may lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially in the breeding season. Once this behavior is established, it can be very difficult to change.”

MassWildlife recommended the following to keep turkeys away:

  • Threaten bold turkeys with loud noises, water sprayed from a hose, or a leashed dog.
  • Mylar tape, balloons, or pinwheels can keep turkeys away. 
  • Keep bird feeder areas clean to avoid attracting turkeys with fallen bird seed. 
  • Cover windows and shiny objects — turkeys may see their reflection and take it as another turkey. 

This year’s spring turkey hunting season begins April 29 and lasts through May 25. Licensed hunters with a turkey permit can harvest up to two bearded birds in the spring.

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com