Q. I keep seeing wild turkeys on my walks. I’m a little nervous about going near them so I just turn around and go back home. Should I be leery about wild turkeys or are they harmless?
While wild turkeys are not typically dangerous it is always good to be leery when you see them as they are a wild animal. As with any wild animal, you should keep your distance from them. Under normal circumstances, wild turkeys are leery of us and tend to shy away from people.
However, this isn’t always the case and people have been chased by wild turkeys. There have even been situations where turkeys have tried to block people from getting into their houses and vehicles.
One reason turkeys may lose their natural fear of people is because of people feeding them. Do not feed turkeys, either intentionally or unintentionally. Do not put food out for them, be sure to clean up spilled bird seed and secure garbage and compost containers. Breeding is another time when wild turkeys may become a bit aggressive.
If you come across wild turkeys showing aggressive behaviour, if possible, try not to run. Use a whistle or yell to make noise, make yourself look larger by waving your arms in the air, open an umbrella or, without causing harm, use a broom or stick to keep them away from you.
