(CBS Sacramento) – What would you do if you came face-to-face with one or more menacing turkeys?
Wildlife officials are offering some tips to the about how to protect yourself from the birds that are plentiful throughout our region. According to the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, the valued game bird can be found in 18 percent of the state.
But turkeys can become aggressive during the breeding season, occasionally even charging, threatening, and acting aggressively toward people. Turkeys “may attempt to dominate or attack people they view as subordinates.” This behavior is most common in the fall when young male birds start competing with elders of the flock, according to MassWildlife.
Wild Turkey (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty s)
If youre cornered by a belligerent bird, its important to not let the turkey intimidate you.
“If confronted by a wild turkey that has lost its fear of humans, an open umbrella may help steer it out of your path,” the California Department of Fish & Wildlife tip sheet reads.
And mans best friend can help too, as another tip notes that a leashed dog can ward off turkeys.
No. 1 on the list is to stop feeding turkeys because that can lead to bold and aggressive behavior.
“Some homeowners cant resist feeding them. Thats when trouble begins. A few stray visitors soon become a flock of permanent residents that have lost their natural fear of humans.”
“If turkeys begin feeding under hanging bird feeders, remove the feeders until the turkeys leave the area.”
Turkeys can also respond aggressively to shiny objects like car windows, mirrors, and polished car doors. MassWildlife recommends covering the reflection if possible.
Finally, experts say you should call police or animal control immediately if you think a turkey could be a public safety threat.
Youll need a permit to kill wild turkeys that are causing property damage. To get a permit, contact a Regional CDFW office.
Wild turkeys can be aggressive and even attack humans especially during breeding season. While turkey attacks are relatively rare it’s important to know how to handle an aggressive turkey if you encounter one. As someone who enjoys the outdoors, I’ve learned a few tips on what to do if one of these large birds decides you’re its next target.
Don’t Show Fear or Run Away
If a turkey begins to charge or approach you aggressively, do not show fear or run away. This will only reinforce the turkey’s dominance. Instead, stand your ground, wave your arms to appear larger, and make loud noises to scare off the turkey. Yell loudly, bang pots and pans, blow a whistle, or throw small rocks at the ground near the turkey.
Be Big and Threatening
Try to look and sound as big and threatening as possible Spread your jacket or shirt wide open and flap your arms, stomp your feet, and yell in a deep, authoritative voice This will establish your dominance over the turkey and send the message that you are not to be messed with.
Charge Back at the Turkey
If noise and posturing don’t deter the turkey, consider charging aggressively back at the turkey while yelling and waving your arms. Give them a dose of their own medicine. Your aggression may surprise and intimidate the turkey into retreat. But be prepared to keep charging and scaring until the turkey finally backs down.
Use Objects to Scare the Turkey Away
Use anything you have on hand to scare or threaten the turkey – sticks, brooms, hoses, umbrellas, bags, etc. Wave, thrust, or throw objects near the turkey to scare it off. A dog on a leash can also help deter turkeys. The dog’s presence and barking stresses the turkey and makes it seek calmer territory.
Protect Your Face and Eyes
If a turkey attacks and begins pecking, use your arms, jacket, or any object you can grab to shield your face and eyes from its sharp beak. The male turkey’s thick claws are also dangerous weapons, so protect your head and neck as much as possible if attacked.
Get Inside a Car or Building
If you can safely get to a car or building, quickly get inside to escape an pursuing turkey. Honk the car horn or bang on the door to frighten the turkey away before getting out. Turkeys typically won’t follow you inside.
Call for Help
Enlist someone else to help scare off an aggressive turkey. More people means more noise, chaos and intimidation factors to drive the turkey away. Have them assist by yelling, waving arms, throwing objects, or charging the turkey.
Use Sprays and Projectiles
For persistent turkeys, spray from a hose or water gun may drive them off. As a last resort, small rocks, sticks or other projectiles thrown in the turkey’s direction (not directly at it) may be necessary if it attacks and won’t retreat. This should only be done to defend yourself from harm.
Prevention
To help prevent turkey problems, remove outdoor food sources like birdfeeders, clean up seed below feeders, and stop feeding turkeys. Cover windows and other reflective surfaces that may provoke aggression. Yell at or threaten turkeys exhibiting aggressive behavior to discourage it. Monitor children and small pets when aggressive turkeys are nearby.
By standing your ground, appearing threatening, and fighting back aggressively if attacked, you can intimidate a turkey into disengaging. But always use good judgment, remain vigilant of the turkey’s movements, and do whatever necessary to avoid injury until the turkey finally leaves. With loud noises, aggressive gestures, and fighting spirit, you can successfully defend yourself from a turkey onslaught. Just remember to never show fear or weakness to the turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Attacks
How aggressive can turkeys get?
Turkeys can become very aggressive during breeding season from March to May. They will regularly attack or charge at people who get too close. Their sharp beaks and claws can cause minor cuts and bruises. They may also ram into cars and peck at shiny surfaces.
What triggers a turkey to attack?
A turkey may feel provoked to attack if it sees its reflection in windows or cars, senses fear, or feels challenged by humans encroaching on its territory. Aggression increases when a turkey is protecting poults (chicks) or a nest.
Do turkey attacks happen often?
While turkeys attacking are somewhat rare, aggressive incidents do happen, especially as turkey populations increase. States like Massachusetts and New Jersey have seen a rise in turkey complaints in recent years as turkeys repopulate areas.
Should you report turkey attacks?
You can report aggressive turkey incidents to your state’s wildlife agency. They likely won’t intervene unless the turkey poses a serious repeated threat. But they want to track complaints and incidents to monitor problematic turkey behaviors.
Are turkey attacks seasonal?
Yes, turkey attacks happen most frequently in the spring during mating season from March to May when turkeys are establishing territory and dominance. In the fall, males may fight more over pecking order.
What weapons can you legally use against an attacking turkey?
Non-lethal deterrents like loud noises, water spray, and throwing objects should be tried first. Using guns, poison, or other weapons that can maim or kill the turkey may be prohibited and subject to fines.
What time of day do turkey attacks happen?
Turkeys are most active in the early mornings and evenings when looking for food. So encounters and incidents often happen during these times rather than the middle of the day when turkeys rest.
Can turkeys hurt you?
Yes, turkeys have sharp talons on their feet and pointed beaks that can scratch, cut, and puncture skin, especially on the face and head region. They can knock down and bruise, particularly small children and the elderly.
How do you know if a turkey will attack?
Signs a turkey may attack include aggressive posturing like ruffled feathers, pacing, excited gobbling, chest puffing, and rapid foot stomping. If they stare you down, get too close, and don’t retreat when yelled at, prepare to defend yourself.
What damage can a turkey do?
Turkeys typically only inflict minor injuries like scratches, cuts, and bruises. But they can peck out eyes and cause other serious harm if they manage to strike the right place with their strong beaks and claws. Small pets are at greatest risk.
Standing up to an aggressive turkey requires courage and quick reaction. But by applying these tips, you can successfully scare away and survive most threatening turkey encounters. Always remain vigilant and don’t hesitate to aggressively fight back if a turkey attacks. With preparation and determination, you can stay safe from these sometimes cantankerous giants of the bird world.
