You’ve opened the windows and doors to let in some fresh air because it’s a nice day and spring. You’re going about your business around the house when you hear the strange sound of feathers rustling from the living room, or maybe the entryway or kitchen.
You imagine a robin inadvertently flew in. Maybe one or two of the sparrows or finches that have been busy building nests near your house But when you look into it, you find a wild turkey. It could be a fully grown hen, a young jake or jennie, or a huge tom that is up to 3 feet tall and weighs up to 25 pounds.
Still, it happened twice in three days in April. First, a turkey broke into Lisa Spencer’s home in Newton. Then, another turkey got “afowl” of the law in Upton, where Officer Michael Goncalves helped get rid of the unwanted guest after it flew through a glass window.
After going for a walk on April 7, Spencer came home to find a door left open by accident. After closing the door, she went about her day until she came home to find an unexpected bird guest spending the night in her living room.
Not knowing what to do, she asked her Facebook friends for help by posting a short video of the turkey sitting on the window sill, bobbing its head, and looking out into the yard. This was visual proof that her story was not true.
“There is a turkey in my house, and I have no idea how he got in or how to get him out.” Or, for that matter, who you call to get the turkey out of your house. This is not a joke. What am I going to do?” she asked.
“The best thing to do is just try to herd it out of the house. Leave the door open and just herd it out of the house,” advised Rines. “Just try to make yourself big and try to keep yourself between the house and the turkey. It probably will go for the door anyway, since it doesn’t want to be there at all. “.
Wild turkeys can be aggressive and even dangerous if they attack you. Here is what you need to know about turkey attacks and how to respond if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Why Turkeys Attack
Turkeys are naturally defensive animals that establish a pecking order in their flocks. They will attack anything they perceive as a threat or as lower ranking than them. Aggressive behavior is especially common during breeding season in the spring when male turkeys are establishing dominance and searching for mates. At this time, they are flooded with hormones and highly responsive to shiny objects, reflections, or movement that may trigger their attack instinct.
Turkeys may also become aggressive if they have grown accustomed to being fed by humans This causes them to lose their natural fear and embolden them to approach or even attack if they expect food Removing food sources like bird feeders is critical to reversing this behavior before an attack occurs,
Signs of Aggression
How can you tell if a turkey is about to attack? Here are some common aggressive behaviors
- Puffing out feathers
- Fanning the tail
- Rapid foot stomping
- Loud gobbling
- Charging or chasing
- Pecking or ramming
- Refusing to back down or leave
If you observe these behaviors, especially in combination, be prepared to defend yourself.
How to Respond During an Attack
If a turkey does attack you here are some tips for self-defense
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Never turn your back or run away. Backing down will be seen as submission which may intensify the attack.
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Stand tall, wave your arms, and yell loudly. Try to appear large and intimidating.
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Charge toward the turkey while shouting and waving your arms.
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Use noisemakers like air horns, pots and pans banging, or whistles. The shock may startle them long enough for you to retreat.
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Open an umbrella aggressively or spray the turkey with water.
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Wave sticks or brooms toward them. Swatting with an object may help scare them off.
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Unleash dogs on a leash to help scare off the turkey. Most turkeys will flee from dogs.
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As a last resort if attacked, kick or hit the turkey with force to protect yourself from injury.
The key is to show dominance and not display any fear. Once the turkey recognizes you as the alpha and a threat, it will likely disengage its attack.
Prevention of Future Attacks
To help prevent any future aggressive encounters:
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Never feed wild turkeys or leave food scraps outdoors. This diminishes their natural fear over time.
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Remove shiny objects like mirrors, glass windows, or reflective metal that may provoke attacks.
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Install fencing around gardens and landscaping to block access.
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Eliminate bird feeders until turkeys leave the area. Fallen seed attracts them.
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Scare off turkeys aggressively if they show interest in your home or yard. Early intervention can prevent future attacks.
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Call animal control if aggressive turkeys do not leave. They may need to be relocated for public safety.
While turkey attacks are relatively rare, it is wise to educate yourself on deterrent tactics in case you ever find yourself targeted by one of these assertive birds. With the right response, you can defend yourself effectively and hopefully avoid any repeats of aggressive behavior in the future. Stay safe out there!
Turkeys can get hot and bothered
People may start to notice more bold or aggressive turkey behavior at this time of year, Rines said.
During breeding season, in March, April, and May, turkeys are most likely to act aggressively. This means that some turkeys may act aggressively or completely ignore people when they are around. In short, as Rines describes their behavior, “being bizarre. “.
Rines said that “the male is not very active after he has made babies,” but Stolarski says that until then, the males can be seen “strutting their stuff” by puffing out their feathers and fanning their tails. “.
“Turkeys are leaving their big winter flocks and crossing roads more often at this time of year.” “Turkeys may stand, walk, or pacing back and forth in the middle of busy highways, dodging cars and blocking traffic,” says Stolarski.
Spencer finally got the bird to leave her home in Newton, but not before it left droppings all over the living room and broke a picture window when it tried to get out through the glass.
“I opened a door to my patio and waddled her bird butt out the door,” she said. “We have turkey gangs in my neighborhood and they’re always gathering on my front lawn. Not aggressive. Just hanging out and pooping along with their bird cousins, the Canada geese. “.
“I think it’s safe to say that the vast majority of people will not have to deal with a turkey inside their home,” Stolarski said. “.
Wild turkey do’s and don’ts
If you want to make your property less attractive to turkeys, there are certain practices to follow. Also, it’s important that everyone in the neighborhood follows the same steps. If they don’t, “your efforts will be futile if neighbors feed or house turkeys or fail to act boldly toward the birds.” “.
DON’T FEED TURKEYS: Keep wildlife wild. Turkeys may act tame when they are fed, but they may also act brave or aggressive when they are fed, especially during the breeding season.
KEEP BIRD FEEDER AREAS CLEAN: Use feeders that keep seed off the ground because wild animals like turkeys and other birds like to eat it. Remove feeders in the spring, as there are plenty of natural foods available for all birds.
DO NOT ALLOW TURKEYS TO FRIGHTEN YOU: If you see a bold, angry turkey, don’t be afraid to scare or threaten it with loud noises, swatting it with a broom, or water sprayed from a hose.
COVER WINDOWS AND SHINY OBJECTS: Turkeys may respond aggressively to shiny objects and their own reflection. If a turkey is pecking at a shiny object, cover or disguise the object.
PROTECT YOUR GARDENS AND CROPS: Turkeys can be scared away from gardens by tethering dogs to a run. Netting is another option to employ.
It’s Wild Turkey Mating Season: What To Do If You’re Attacked
FAQ
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