Wild Turkeys Spark Unusual Nuisance in Southern Wisconsin Neighborhood
JANESVILLE, Wis. — Residents of this southern Wisconsin town have found themselves contending with an unexpected and feathered menace: a flock of wild turkeys exhibiting unusually aggressive behavior. The birds, once a charming presence that enlivened the neighborhood, have increasingly become a source of fear and disruption, chasing children and postal workers alike.
Lawrence Meyer, a local resident, captured video footage of the turkeys pursuing a postal worker down a neighborhood street. Meyer also recounted a frightening encounter his 8-year-old son had with the birds while crossing the road. “As he was approaching, crossing the street, the turkeys started chasing after him,” Meyer told WMTV. “It’s scary. Like these are big birds. They’re as tall as my son. When they fluff their feathers, they’re scary. They’re huge to an 8-year-old.”
Initially, Meyer appreciated the wildlife that brought life to the neighborhood, but the turkeys’ behavior has since escalated. “They block traffic, they’ve caused accidents, they went after my mailman,” he said. The situation has grown concerning enough that local authorities and wildlife experts are now involved.
Jason Cotter, a wildlife biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) serving Rock County, explained that while wild turkeys naturally flock together during winter months, aggressive behavior of this kind is uncommon. “It’s more of a rarity than it is common,” Cotter said. “We have heard of flocks in urban areas, obviously around the state, but these particular birds in Janesville have been seemingly causing a stir with folks getting in and out of cars, mailmen, children going to school.”
In response to the escalating incidents, the Wisconsin DNR is collaborating with USDA Wildlife Services to develop a strategy to address the problem. Relocation of the turkeys is among the options being considered to restore safety and normalcy to the neighborhood.
In the meantime, Cotter advised residents to take precautions to deter the birds, such as carrying an umbrella or otherwise making themselves appear larger when confronted by the turkeys. This advice aligns with general guidance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on managing encounters with aggressive wildlife.
While wild turkeys are a native species valued for their role in local ecosystems, their growing boldness in urban and suburban settings can lead to conflicts. The Janesville case highlights the challenges communities face as wildlife adapts to human environments. Officials urge residents to report any aggressive turkey behavior to local authorities and to avoid feeding or approaching the birds.
The situation in Janesville serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between appreciating wildlife and maintaining public safety. As the Wisconsin DNR and USDA work on solutions, residents remain vigilant, hoping for a peaceful resolution to their unexpected avian adversaries.
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