Petition Calls Killing Of Wild Wauwatosa Turkeys 'Unjust'

WAUWATOSA, WI — The wild turkey trouble continues in Wauwatosa. An online petition has been created in response to the city of Wauwatosa removing at least three aggressive turkeys in the area.

The petition, started by a user named Co Exist, had over 174 signatures as of Tuesday afternoon. The petition said the turkeys were "cruely" trapped and slaughtered.

The turkeys have been congregating for years around Wauwatosa and near Outpost, 7000 W. State St., said Eva Ennamorato, communications manager with the city.

The turkeys became aggressive and chased and caused injuries to people in the parking lot, Outpost community relations director Margaret Mittelstadt previously said.

The petition said the flock of turkeys were "a favorite of the surrounding area" and shared a tweet from the city about tips to coexist with them. The story attached to the tweet was a Milwaukee County Transit System video from Sept. 2021.

The video shows turkeys causing a delay along route 31 in Wauwatosa.

The petition asks for signatures to let the city, the Wauwatosa Health Department and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources know "that their disregard of official city policy and abandonment of public trust resulting in the killing of innocent wildlife is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

Ennamorato said the city doesn't have a turkey or wildlife ordinance.

She released a statement to Patch on Tuesday.

"Turkeys and other wildlife are a valuable part of our community and we regularly provide education and tips for coexisting with wildlife peacefully. In this case, there were significant safety concerns and the health department worked closely with the DNR and Wildlife Services to identify solutions. Over the course of several weeks, we worked with local businesses and residents in an attempt to encourage the turkeys to move to another area where they would be less disruptive. This included education to residents and signs in the Outpost parking lot and an informational handout inside the store.

Unfortunately, the aggressive turkeys continued to present safety concerns for residents and visitors. Because of this, additional intervention was required. We followed the guidance of the DNR and Wildlife Services to make the decision to remove the turkeys from the community. Relocation was considered and discussed, but unfortunately, it was not a feasible or safe option in this case. Euthanizing an animal is a last resort and only done in extreme circumstances. It is not a decision we make easily or lightly."

Dan Hirchert, state director of USDA Wildlife Services, previously told patch the situation arose because of supplemental feeding.

"Wauwatosa residents with good intentions think they are helping turkeys get through the harsh winter, but turkeys will associate the handouts with humans and then eventually approach unsuspecting passersby," Hirchert said.

People have hurt themselves trying to get away from aggressive turkeys and Canada geese, he added.

Hirchert said three of the five turkeys captured were taken to a meat processor for the meat to go to local food pantries.