MassWildlife warns residents about aggressive turkeys

State officials are giving residents tips on how to avoid confrontations with wild turkeys as the birds’ mating season is in full swing.

March through May is turkey breeding season, and male turkeys may exhibit aggressive or intimidating behavior toward people when attempting to express social dominance within the flock, according to MassWildlife. Turkey’s threats during this season include pecking, tracking, and even attacking people it considers threats.

“Turkeys may attempt to dominate or attack people they view as subordinates, and this behavior is most observed during the breeding season,” states the MassWildlife alert, issued earlier this month. “They may also react aggressively and peck at shiny objects like windows or vehicles, interpreting their own reflection as an intrusive turkey.”

And the birds — which can run up to 25 miles per hour and fly up to 55 miles per hour — have been shown to pose a legitimate danger to public safety in the past. Last April, a postman required a hip replacement after being attacked by a flock of wild turkeys in Cambridge, and in 2018 a driver was injured when one of the birds slammed into a car windshield .

According to authorities, the main way to reduce aggressive behavior is to never feed the birds. Turkeys feel comfortable around humans when being fed, which encourages aggressive behavior.

“The most effective action people can take to prevent conflicts with turkeys is to stop feeding them,” Dave Scrapitti, turkey biologist with MassWildlife, said in a statement. “Providing food, whether intentionally or unintentionally, can cause turkeys to appear tame and lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially during the breeding season. Once this behavior is established, it can be very difficult to change.

MassWildlife has recommended the following to keep turkeys away:

• Threaten brave turkeys with loud noises, water sprayed from a hose or a dog on a leash.
• Mylar tape, balloons or pinwheels can keep turkeys away.
• Keep bird feeder areas clean to avoid attracting turkeys with fallen bird seed.
• Cover windows and shiny objects: turkeys can see their reflection and take it as another turkey.

This year’s spring turkey hunting season begins April 29 and lasts until May 25. Hunters with a turkey license may take up to two bearded birds in the spring.