JANESVILLE, Wis. (WMTV/CNN/CNN Newsource/WKRC) – Wild turkey attacks have left people in a community concerned for their safety.
In Janesville, Wisconsin, residents are facing an unusual menace: wild turkeys. These birds have been causing chaos in the community, blocking traffic, chasing postal workers, and even targeting children.
(WMTV/LAWRENCE MEYER/CNN/CNN Newsource)
“At first, I love wildlife. The turkeys were cool. You know, they brought, you know, life to the neighborhood. As it’s developed, they’ve become a nuisance,” resident Lawrence Meyer said when speaking with WMTV.
Meyer captured footage of turkeys chasing a postal worker and noted that his eight-year-old son was also pursued by the birds.
“It’s scary, like, these are big birds. They’re as tall as my son,” Meyer told the outlet.
(WMTV/LAWRENCE MEYER/CNN/CNN Newsource)
Jason Cotter, a wildlife biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, explained that while such aggressive behavior is rare, it is not unheard of in urban areas.
“We have heard of flocks in urban areas, obviously around the state, but these particular birds in Janesville have been seemingly causing a stir,” Cotter told WMTV.
He advised residents to make themselves appear larger to deter the turkeys, suggesting the use of coats, umbrellas, or even plastic garbage bags to mimic a giant turkey.
“I just I want to see them thrive in their natural habitat, and I want to see these children be able to thrive in their habitat or neighborhood, if you will, and enjoy themselves without fear of being chased by turkeys,” Meyer told WMTV.
Until then, residents are advised to walk backwards when fleeing to keep the birds in view.