More Wild Turkey Attacks in Brookline

By Jason Claffey

Thanksgiving? Not according to wild turkeys roaming Brookline.

There have been more reports of turkeys attacking people in town in recent weeks—continuing what has become a semiannual tradition.

WHDH reported turkeys have attacked a group of students, a crossing guard, and residents across town.

“There was like six or seven of them, and as I went around the mailbox they went around and they started chasing me into the street and I screamed for help,” Marilyn Carmona told WHDH. “It was very scary.”

Police receive calls about aggressive turkeys every few weeks. The birds have been known to charge at people and try to claw their faces.

In 2011, a Brookline Patch reader chronicled his efforts to fend off an aggressive turkey.

If you’ve had any turkey sightings, share your encounter—as well as photos—in the comment section below.

Here are some more tips from state wildlife officials on dealing with turkeys:

• Don’t feed turkeys—Keep wild things wild! Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause turkeys to act tame and may lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially in the breeding season.
• Keep bird feeder areas clean—Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts turkeys and other wild animals. Clean up spilled seed from other types of feeders daily. Remove feeders in the spring, as there is plenty of natural food available for all birds.
• Don’t let turkeys intimidate you—Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or water sprayed from a hose. A dog on a leash is also an effective deterrent.
• Cover windows or other reflective objects—If a turkey is pecking at a shiny object such as a vehicle or window, cover or otherwise disguise the object. Harass the bird by chasing it, squirting with a hose or other means of aggression.
• Protect your gardens and crops—You can harass turkeys searching for food in your gardens. Dogs tethered on a run can also be effective in scaring turkeys away from gardens. Netting is another option to employ. In agricultural situations, some scare devices are effective.
• Educate your neighbors—Pass this information along: Your efforts will be futile if neighbors are providing food for turkeys or neglecting to act boldly towards the birds. It requires the efforts of the entire neighborhood to help keep wild turkeys wild.

Photo credit: Samantha Leon

See Also:

Boy Wants to Feed 50 for Thanksgiving