Ontario Man Flees Aggressive Turkeys by Jumping into Stranger’s Car in Ottawa
OTTAWA, Ontario — A routine walk near Prince of Wales Drive and Heron Road took a wild turn for Michael Bourgon on February 26, 2026, when two aggressive turkeys began chasing him, forcing Bourgon to seek refuge in a stranger’s car. The incident, which was captured on video by a passerby, has drawn attention to the sometimes unpredictable behavior of urban wildlife in Canadian cities.
Bourgon recounted the encounter during an interview with CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning, explaining that he initially noticed the turkeys without concern. “I see a couple of turkeys. I didn’t think too much of it. I said, ‘Hey, what’s up, turkeys?’ And then they started coming at me,” he said. The birds’ sudden aggression prompted Bourgon to flee, kicking snow at them in a desperate attempt to deter their pursuit.
Witness Jody Paul, who was on her way home, recorded the unusual chase. “I kind of noticed these two turkeys chasing this poor guy and it was so, like, naturally funny that I just kind of wanted to capture it on video and kind of memorialize the moment,” Paul told Global News. The footage quickly circulated online, sparking amusement and concern about urban wildlife encounters.
With no other option, Bourgon jumped into a stranger’s car for safety. “A complete and total stranger did not hesitate to just offer assistance, which is kind of nice,” Bourgon said. “She’s some random lady in the car. I look like the Unabomber. So like, she’s the one who’s reaching out here. And honestly, I just want to get away from these turkeys…. I was not in the mood for turkey business.”
The following day, Bourgon encountered two turkeys again, possibly the same birds. This time, he stood his ground, facing the turkeys and slowly backing away. “They just ignored me and I ignored them, and I seemed to have reached a turkey détente,” he explained.
Urban wildlife, including wild turkeys, have become increasingly common in many North American cities, leading to more frequent human-animal interactions. The U.S. Forest Service notes that wild turkeys are adaptable birds that thrive in suburban and urban environments, sometimes leading to conflicts with residents.
Similar incidents have been reported across the continent, prompting local authorities to advise residents on safely coexisting with wildlife. The Government of Canada’s guidelines on wildlife-human conflicts recommend maintaining a safe distance from wild animals and avoiding feeding them to prevent aggressive behavior.
Ottawa’s experience with these turkeys serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by urban wildlife. As cities expand into natural habitats, encounters like Bourgon’s may become more common, underscoring the importance of public awareness and preparedness. For now, Bourgon’s quick thinking and the kindness of a stranger helped him escape an unexpected and feathered threat.
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