Beware Of Aggressive Turkeys This Spring, Police Say

DEDHAM, MA — Police are warning locals to beware after Animal Control received reports of turkeys ‘following’ and ‘intimidating’ residents and a USPS letter carrier.

March through May is breeding season for turkeys, meaning male turkeys are busy establishing dominance amongst their peers, Dedham police said in a Tuesday news release.

The increase in intimidation and aggression toward humans is due to turkeys having become habituated around humans over months and years because we like to feed them, according to MassWildlife.

"Once this behavior is established, it can be very difficult to change," Dave Scarpitti, MassWildlife Turkey Biologist said.

"The best thing we can do to curb this behavior is to stop feeding them—of course, stop feeding other wildlife as well," Dedham Police wrote in the news release. "This will help keep them farther from our front doors and busy parking lots."

Turkeys might become more aggressive near cars, windows, and other reflective surfaces as they mistake their reflections for other turkeys and attempt to peck them, according to MassWildlife.

The agency suggests loud noises, bright lights, and hoses as deterrents.