Fowl Encounters: Bizarre Turkey Attacks and How to Avoid Them
From crashing through kitchen windows to waging war on mail carriers, wild turkeys have been making headlines with their bizarre and aggressive behavior. As conservation efforts successfully revive their populations, these feathered fiends are venturing into urban areas, leading to an increasing number of human-turkey conflicts. In this article, we’ll explore some of the strangest turkey attack stories and provide insights on how to coexist peacefully with our fowl neighbors.
When Turkeys Turn Terrorizers
While turkeys are generally shy and harmless creatures, there have been numerous reports of them exhibiting aggressive and downright bizarre behavior toward humans. One of the most infamous cases occurred in Teaneck, New Jersey, where a flock of wild turkeys, dubbed “gobbling gangsters,” terrorized residents by chasing them to their cars and terrorizing children at bus stops. In one particularly shocking incident, a turkey crashed through Courtney Lopchinsky’s kitchen window, showering her and her children with glass and mud.
Another bizarre encounter took place in Grand Haven, Michigan, where a mail carrier named Doug Cody found himself the target of a relentless turkey vendetta. For reasons unknown, the local turkeys would peck at Cody’s mail truck and even corner him on residents’ porches, forcing him to carry a thin plank of wood for protection. His coworkers found the situation so amusing that they filled his office mailbox with turkey feathers and hung “Wanted” signs for the fiendish fowl.
In Brooklyn, New York, a butcher named Sam Fishman experienced a turkey attack firsthand when a “turkey gobbler weighing at least 40 pounds” ambushed him in a dimly lit poultry shop. Fishman slipped on the wet floor, breaking his arm, and ultimately sued the shop owners for $2,000 in damages (equivalent to around $35,400 today).
Turkeys and Rituals: A Puzzling Phenomenon
Turkeys have also displayed strange behaviors that seem to border on the ritualistic or supernatural. In March 2017, Jonathan Davis witnessed a flock of turkeys encircling a dead cat in perfect unison, bobbing their heads in a synchronized manner. While the reason behind this behavior remains a mystery, wildlife biologist Tom Hughes speculated that the turkeys were likely puzzled by the strange sight and were trying to get a closer look without getting too close.
Defending Against Turkey Attacks
As amusing as these tales may seem, turkey attacks can pose a real threat to human safety and property. Fortunately, there are several methods recommended by experts to deter these feathered fiends:
Keep your distance: Turkeys are generally more aggressive during breeding season, so it’s best to give them a wide berth and avoid approaching them or their nests.
Use deterrents: Water hoses, leashed dogs, or loud noises can be effective in scaring off aggressive turkeys without harming them.
Secure your property: Make sure to close windows and doors to prevent turkeys from entering your home or vehicle.
Report persistent problems: If a particular flock or individual turkey continues to cause issues, contact local wildlife authorities for assistance.
Conclusion
While the resurgence of wild turkey populations is a conservation success story, their increasing presence in urban areas has led to some bizarre and potentially dangerous encounters. By understanding their behaviors and taking appropriate precautions, we can learn to coexist peacefully with these feathered neighbors. After all, a little knowledge and respect can go a long way in preventing fowl encounters from turning into full-blown turkey terrorization.