Turkeys Caught In Attempted B & E In Seekonk

SEEKONK, MA — A gang of trouble-making turkeys was recently caught on video apparently trying to gain access to a Seekonk home. Police posted a video from the homeowner's security camera Tuesday capturing the attempted break-in.

"Do you know these bird brains?" police jokingly asked.

It was immediately unclear if the turkeys were the same ones caught on video in Randolph last week in a bizarre ritual circling a dead cat (See video below.).

Wild turkeys are known to act more aggressively in March as the April breeding season approaches. The birds have been known to charge at people and try to claw their faces. In 2014, there was a series of turkey attacks on people walking in Brookline. State wildlife officials say people should act aggressively if confronted by a turkey and make loud noises or swat at the animal with a long object like a broom. A dog on a leash is also effective at scaring turkeys away.

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."

Related

More Wild Turkey Attacks in Brookline

Turkeys Circle Dead Cat In Randolph: Bizarre Video

Photo credit: Seekonk Police Department