MA Turkey Gang Leader 'Kevin' Thrust Into International Spotlight

WOBURN, MA — A local turkey who is the leader of a gang of aggressive birds made international news this week.

Kevin, the lone male in a pack of five turkey in Woburn, has gained a reputation as one of the most aggressive in the state. The UK-based Guardian newspaper profiled Kevin and his buddies in a story timed for Thanksgiving.

"People in Woburn, north-west of Boston, have been subjected to a barrage of attacks and intimidation by a group of five wild turkeys, with the situation forcing some to take up improvised weapons and residents reporting being trapped in their homes," the report said.

Kevin has also been the subject of several local media reports.

Outside Woburn, turkeys have flourished across Massachusetts — including in urban areas like Boston and Worcester — after being reintroduced here in the 1970s. Kevin isn't an outlier: many male turkeys get aggressive with people and vehicles (they like to peck tires especially), similar to Canada geese.

"Turkeys may attempt to dominate or attack people that they view as subordinates. This behavior is observed most often during breeding season. Once bold behavior is established, it can be very difficult to change," MassWildlife warns.

Luckily, turkeys aren't too difficult to scare. In Woburn, residents use rakes and other implements to ward off the large birds. Turkeys, who do have bird brains after all, also get aggressive when they see their own reflection, mistaking it for a rival. That's why they sometimes crowd car doors, according to wildlife officials.

"Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or water sprayed from a hose," according to MassWildlife. "A dog on a leash is also an effective deterrent."