Enjoy our Wild Turkeys - from a distance!

While Salem is a densely-populated city, we have no shortage of wildlife -- and wildlife lovers! Our woods and trails, cemeteries, and coastline offer opportunities for viewing birds, reptiles and amphibians, mammals such as coyote and fisher, and this week, a delightful and unexpected visit by right whales. It is fulfilling to observe and appreciate wildlife using a camera, binoculars, field guide, and sketch pad.

ENJOY FROM A DISTANCE

One photographer friend lives by the mantra, "If you change the behavior of the wildlife you’re observing, you’re too close." For the health and safety of wildlife and humans, it is important to keep wildlife wild, allowing animals to carry on undisturbed with their normal behaviors of foraging, nesting, and rearing of young. By NOT feeding wildlife, we deter animals from potential conflicts and dangers that may occur, by teaching them it is NOT okay to approach people, pets, homes, and vehicles.

NEVER FEED WILDLIFE

While it might be tempting to feed wild turkeys, officials advise against it. Mass.gov maintains a web page, Prevent Conflicts with Turkeys, that includes the following:

"Keep wildlife wild! Never deliberately feed wild turkeys to attract them to your property or keep them around. Turkeys can survive very well on natural foods and do not need handouts from people. Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause turkeys to act tame and may lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially in the breeding season. Remember, share these tips with your neighbors; your efforts will be futile if neighbors provide food or shelter for turkeys or neglect to act boldly towards the birds."

In cities, feeding wildlife has other potential negative consequences. It attracts raccoons, rats and other rodents, and this in turn entices coyotes to venture closer to our homes and pets.

PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

We've all seen the YouTube video, Turkeys Attack Falmouth mailman "Every day." While hilarious when viewed from the safety of your digital screen, this daily conflict perfectly illustrates what can occur when turkeys lose their fear of humans.

You've heard of hazing coyotes to reinforce their natural fear of people? It works for turkeys, too! When Turkeys Attack, featuring Wayne Petersen of Massachusetts Audubon, is a humorous video re-enactment of a threatening encounter between a woman filling her bird feeder, and a demanding turkey. Advance to 1:50 and watch Wayne perfectly demonstrate his hazing technique:

• Stand your ground; don't back away or show fear
• Flap arms and clap hands
• Intimidate by running towards
• Never feed turkeys or other wild animals

Keep wildlife wild, and ENJOY the beauty and wonder of nature!