Massachusetts Wild Turkeys May Try to ‘Dominate or Attack People’

Wild turkeys are everywhere in Massachusetts. It is not uncommon to see turkeys waddling down the side of a street or highway, in parking lots, city parks, and just about anywhere else you can imagine.

Turkeys had been all but driven out of Massachusetts by the mid-19th century by hungry humans who devoured the birds and destroyed their natural habitats.

In the 1970s, wild turkeys were reintroduced to Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. During the 1990s, they came to the SouthCoast. Now, an estimated 35,000 wild turkeys are running wild in the Commonwealth.

They may be seeking revenge.

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I have observed wild turkeys attempt to intimidate humans by chasing them or acting in an otherwise threatening manner. Mail carriers often complain of being harassed by turkeys.

I did some checking.

The National Park Service says, "Your chances of being hunted by a turkey are low, but never zero."

Think about that for a minute.

MassWildlife says, "Wild turkeys live in flocks organized by pecking order. Each bird is dominant over or 'pecks on' birds of lesser social status."

The agency says, "Turkeys may attempt to dominate or attack people that they view as subordinates, and this behavior is observed most often during the breeding season," March through May.

MassWildlife says turkeys "may also respond aggressively and peck shiny objects like windows or vehicles, interpreting their own reflection as an intruding turkey."

"The Most effective action people can take to prevent conflicts with turkeys is to stop feeding them," said Dave Scarpitti, MassWildlife's Turkey Biologist.

MassWildlife says, "Aggressive behavior towards people occurs when turkeys become overly comfortable in the presence of humans – usually over several months or even years, in areas where turkeys are fed."

Loud noise, water from a hose, and barking dogs may serve to discourage an aggressive turkey, but if you choose to run, NPS says, "Turkeys can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour."

"They can also fly as fast as 55 miles per hour (in short bursts)," says NPS.

When I am out for a walk and I spot a wild turkey I usually cross the street or simply turn around and go back where I came from.