“Aggressive” wild turkeys are being blamed for two attacks in a California city and now police are warning residents to take precautions.
An 83-year-old woman in Alameda, California, was injured last week when two turkeys attacked her from behind, according to KGO-TV. She was taken to the emergency room for a CT scan and given six stitches.
A dog was also reportedly attacked in another incident.
In a statement posted on their Facebook page, the Alameda Police Department said this “type of behavior is common during the spring breeding and nesting season. It is often associated with male turkeys competing for dominance or while protecting their offspring.”
Police have encouraged residents to give the large birds plenty of space and avoid feeding them.
“While Alameda’s wild turkeys are a unique and memorable part of our community, it is important to remember they are still wild animals,” police said.
They also reminded Alameda residents that dogs are required to be kept on a leash in public areas and advised them to remove pet and bird seed bowls from the garden when not in use.
Wild turkeys are not native to California but were introduced by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1959 and are now often spotted across Alameda.
Some residents have become frustrated with turkeys blocking intersections and pecking at cars. They have also been known to attack shiny vehicles, mistaking their reflection for a rival’s. Wild turkeys are not small, measuring up to 4 feet tall and weighing as much as 25 pounds.
Tensions seemed especially high one day last December when a man shot and killed a turkey with a pellet gun. He was charged with felony animal cruelty.
WildCare animal rescue center in San Rafael said they treat 50 to 100 wild turkeys a year injured by predator attacks, car strikes and being shot.
