Wild turkeys are large, distinctive birds that can be found across North America. While wild turkeys generally avoid contact with humans, their populations have been increasing in recent years, leading to more frequent encounters. If you happen to see a wild turkey, there are some important things you should know in order to stay safe and act responsibly.
Why are wild turkey sightings increasing?
There are a few key reasons why wild turkeys are being spotted more often:
- Conservation efforts – Wild turkey populations dropped sharply in the early 20th century due to hunting and habitat loss. Conservation programs began in the 1950s and 60s to restore their numbers through breeding and reintroduction programs. These have been very successful, with the wild turkey population going from just 30,000 in the 1930s to over 7 million today.
- Adaptability – Wild turkeys are highly adaptable birds that can thrive in diverse environments from forests to suburbs. They have learned to take advantage of man-made features like parks, gardens and agricultural areas.
- Lack of predators – With many large carnivores disappearing from suburban areas, wild turkeys face fewer threats. They are able to raise more young to adulthood.
- Mild winters – Warmer winters due to climate change mean higher survival rates for wild turkey chicks.
Are wild turkeys dangerous?
Wild turkeys are not generally aggressive toward humans and very rarely attack. However, they have large bodies, sharp claws and thick beaks that can cause injury if they do become aggressive. Males (toms) can be especially territorial during the breeding season and will occasionally attack their own reflection in windows or cars. Such incidents arequite rare, but it is still smart to exercise some caution around wild turkeys.
What to do if you encounter wild turkeys
Here are some tips if you happen to have a wild turkey sighting:
Keep your distance
Do not approach or try to feed wild turkeys. Keep at least 30 feet between yourself and any wild turkeys you see. Closely approaching turkeys puts them on the defensive and increases aggression risks.
Do not let them surround you
Turkeys have a social hierarchy and can become more assertive in groups. Do not let a flock of wild turkeys circle around you – keep them in front of you and give them an escape route.
Be especially cautious of toms during breeding season
The breeding season lasts from March to early summer. Male turkeys become very territorial and aggressive during this time as they look to attract females. Be cautious around any male turkeys you see.
Do not provoke or threaten them
Never make sudden moves, wave arms, shout or throw objects at wild turkeys. This is seen as threatening behavior and may provoke an attack.
Protect your pets
Dogs and sometimes cats are seen as threats by wild turkeys, especially if they chase them. Keep pets indoors if wild turkeys are nearby and supervise them closely outside.
Use loud noises and water to scare them away
If wild turkeys approach too closely, scare them away by making loud noises (shouting, airhorn) or spraying them with water from a hose. Only use these deterrence methods – never attempt to physically attack a wild turkey.
Call animal control for persistent nuisance flocks
If a flock of turkeys is repeatedly intruding onto your property and ignoring attempts to scare them away, contact animal control. They can potentially trap and relocate habitual nuisance birds.
What to do if you are attacked by a wild turkey
While actual attacks are uncommon, it is important to know how to respond in case a turkey does become physically aggressive:
Stay calm and move away
Do not make sudden moves, run or turn your back. Wild animals often interpret this as threatening behavior. Move slowly and calmly in the opposite direction until you are out of the turkey’s perceived territory.
Put a solid object between you and the turkey
If the turkey continues to approach, put something like a backpack, coat or tree trunk between yourself and the turkey to block it. This creates a barrier and protection.
Fight back if directly attacked
If a turkey makes physical contact you have no choice but to defend yourself. Use sticks, jackets, garden tools or any other object nearby to push or strike the turkey until it disengages. Aim for the body and neck rather than the head.
Get to safety when possible
If able to safely do so, get inside a house, vehicle or other enclosure to separate yourself from an aggressively pursuing turkey. Call for help if needed.
Get medical attention for any injuries
Turkeys have strong beaks and claws that can cause cuts and abrasions. Seek medical care if injured to treat wounds and prevent infections. Inform medical staff it was a wild turkey attack so they can watch for signs of diseases.
Report turkey attacks to authorities
Contact your state wildlife agency and report any incidents of aggressive turkeys attacking humans. This helps them track problem birds and determine if relocation or other control methods are needed.
How to prevent wild turkey encounters on your property
Here are some tips to discourage wild turkeys from becoming comfortable around your home and yard:
Remove food sources
Do not feed wild turkeys or leave pet food outside. Keep spillage from bird feeders cleaned up. Cover compost piles so they cannot forage in them.
Use fencing and barriers
Install fencing around gardens and landscaping to keep wild turkeys out. Individual plants can also be protected with wire mesh or plastic covers.
Scare deterrents
Use motion activated sprinklers, sounds or other scare tactics near entries to your property. Vary the locations, sounds and intervals to increase effectiveness.
Clear away roosting spots
Turkeys prefer roosting in trees. Prune away top branches they may use near your home to make them seek other spots.
Let dogs patrol yards
Supervise dogs outdoors to scare away wild turkeys with their presence. The scent of predators also helps deter them. Just be sure pets do not actually chase or attack.
| Deterrent Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Motion-activated sprinklers | ScareCrow, Contech Scarecrow |
| Predator decoys | Fake coyotes, foxes, owls |
| Noisemakers | Banging pans, air horns, whistles |
| Shiny objects | old CDs, reflector tape, pinwheels |
Conclusion
Wild turkeys provide an enjoyable wildlife sighting for many people across North America. With proper caution and preparation, negative encounters can be minimized while allowing healthy populations to thrive. Be sure to keep your distance, avoid provoking them and use deterrents strategically around your property. Report any aggressive turkeys to wildlife authorities promptly. With informed action, we can appreciate these unique birds safely and responsibly.
