Some wild turkeys have started to ruffle feathers in Janesville, Wisconsin, by causing a whole lot of issues – blocking traffic, chasing postal workers and scaring children.
Neighbors said, at first, they thought the turkeys brought life to the neighborhood. But that has changed recently.
“As it’s developed, they’ve become a nuisance,” resident Lawrence Meyer said. “They block traffic. they’ve caused accidents. They, you know, went after my mailman.”
The wild turkeys have chased down a postal worker, a rental truck and a second mail carrier.
Others have also become targets.
“We have heard of flocks in urban areas, obviously around the state, but these particular birds in Janesville have been seemingly causing a stir with folks getting in and out of cars, mailmen, children going to school,” Jason Cotter with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said.
Cotter said birds naturally gravitate toward urban areas because it’s easier for them to get food, and aggressive behavior is how they assert their dominance.
The best way to combat that? Become the bigger bully.
“So, you know, making yourself look bigger, either using your coat, having an umbrella on hand, a plastic black garbage bag that, you know, you can look like you’re a giant turkey,” Cotter said.
Walking backwards so you face the turkeys as you get away can also help.
Cotter said with enough persistence from residents, the turkeys should move on.
Meyer is hoping the birds will get the hint.
“I want to see them thrive in their natural habitat, and I want to see these children be able to thrive in their habitat or neighborhood, if you will, and enjoy themselves without fear of being chased by turkeys,” he said.
The Department of Natural Resources said they have contacted the USDA’s Wildlife Services about the situation.
If it doesn’t improve, they can remove the birds and relocate them.