Gang of Wild Wisconsin Turkeys Blocking Traffic, Ambushing Mailmen and Children
How bad could a wild turkey infestation of your neighborhood possibly get? If you said, “Not very,” you may not be from Wisconsin. According to Channel 5 News, a large flock in Janesville is wreaking havoc.
Even Jason Cotter, a wildlife biologist for Rock County with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, admitted, “These particular birds in Janesville have been seemingly causing a stir with folks getting in and out of cars, mailmen, and children going to school.” At least these turkeys have yet to attack a police officer during a traffic stop.
The turkey gang wreaking havoc in Wisconsin
Blocking traffic is one thing, but hassling people who need to get out of cars—such as the mailman or children traveling home from school—has folks on edge. Resident Lawrence Meyer says he watched the birds give his son a serious fright. “As he was approaching, crossing the street, the turkeys started chasing after him…It’s scary. Like these are big birds, they’re as tall as my son. When they fluff their feathers, they’re scary. They’re huge to an 8-year-old.”
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources admitted it could remove the birds and relocate them. That’s exactly what Meyer is lobbying for with a petition that has 70 signatures. “I just want to see them thrive in their natural habitat, and I want to see these children be able to thrive in their habitat, or neighborhood if you will, and enjoy themselves without fear of being chased by turkeys.”
But Cotter, the wildlife biologist, pointed out this species isn’t usually this aggressive. “It’s more of a rarity than it is common.”
He assured residents that flocks merge together in the winter, but break up again as the weather warms. In the meantime, he had some tips short of attempting to relocate the birds. “Making yourself look bigger, either using your coat, having an umbrella on hand, a plastic black garbage bag that, you know, you can look like you’re a giant turkey.” If you must retreat, walk backwards while looking at the turkeys. He suspects that if residents stand up to the birds, the flock will move on or become less aggressive.
Meyer admitted the birds haven’t always been a problem, and the increase in humans is at least partially to blame.
“I love wildlife. At first, the turkeys were cool. They brought life to the neighborhood…As it’s developed, they’ve become a nuisance.”
