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DEDHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — With April being smack dab in the center of the turkey mating season, the Dedham Police Department came out with an advisory on how to prevent bird attacks on your person and vehicle.
Police say local Animal Control Units have seen residents and workers like a United States Postal Service letter carrier become victim to the intimidation tactics of male turkeys looking to impress a mate. According to police, the rise in turkey aggression towards humans is because they're used to living around us, and potentially being fed by us, something police urge residents to stop doing for any wild animal. Officials hope that by cutting off the human-provided provisions, the turkeys will keep away from homes and parking lots.
Additionally, turkeys have been known to attack cars, specifically the reflections they might see and mistake for other turkeys rolling in on their turf.
"Perhaps the next month or so allows for a good excuse to skip window cleaning and car washing!" the DPD said.
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When facing down a turkey head-on, officials recommend using deterrents like loud noises, bright lights, hoses, leashed dogs, and scarecrows to keep the wild birds at bay.
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