Why Aggressive Turkeys Are Now Chasing People In Wisconsin Neighborhoods

June is National Turkey Lovers' Month, a stretch of summer meant to celebrate the bird in all its forms, usually on a sandwich or fresh off the grill.

However, in a growing number of Wisconsin neighborhoods, the turkeys have decided to flip the script. Lately, they are the ones doing the chasing.

Across the state, wild turkeys are wandering out of the woods and into city streets, parks, and cul-de-sacs, and they are not always being polite about it.

What was once a charming sight has, in a few neighborhoods, turned into a standoff between residents and some surprisingly bold birds.

A Madison Neighborhood Reaches Its Breaking Point

The latest flare-up happened in Madison. Apparently, a woman pushing a child in a stroller was confronted by multiple aggressive turkeys near Stricker's Pond, an encounter unsettling enough that the state has taken notice.

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According to the report, the incident prompted the Wisconsin DNR to consult with the city about whether the situation rises to the level of a permit to relocate or thin out nearby flocks.

A neighbor who witnessed it, Mike Schnarr, said the birds were steadily closing in on the woman as she walked. The turkeys kept gaining ground until a passing driver got out of his car, shouted, and scattered them.

Schnarr and his wife Sally, who have lived in the neighborhood for 40 years, said they hardly ever saw turkeys until about five years ago. Now, they say, the birds are around constantly.

Madison Is Part Of A Trend

Madison is the latest area to face the wrath of turkeys, but it is not alone.

Sources indicate cities like Eau Claire and Appleton have dealt with their own aggressive turkeys, part of what the DNR describes as a growing statewide trend of the birds settling into urban areas and deciding they rather like it.

Also, earlier this year, a flock in Janesville made headlines for chasing a postal worker and going after a resident's 8-year-old son, with one neighbor noting the birds stood nearly as tall as the boy. It would be funny if it were not also a little intimidating, especially for kids and older folks.

Why Wisconsin's Turkeys Are Moving To Town

The reason aggressive turkey tales are on the increase is simple enough, and it is mostly our fault. As a DNR game bird specialist explained, turkeys quickly figure out that cities offer very few predators and a buffet of backyard bird feeders.

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That combination of easy food and low danger makes a quiet suburban street far more appealing than the deep woods. Once the birds settle in and lose their fear of people, the boldness tends to follow.

What To Do If A Turkey Comes At You

The good news is that wildlife experts say handling a pushy turkey is mostly about attitude. The DNR has advised residents to make themselves appear as large as possible, including the wonderfully practical suggestion of carrying an open umbrella to look bigger and shoo the birds along.

Removing easy food sources like spilled feeder seed also goes a long way, since a turkey with no reason to hang around usually will not.

A Reminder That The Wild Is Closer Than We Think

Something is fitting about all this landing during National Turkey Lovers' Month. The birds have a way of reminding us that wildlife does not stop at the edge of town, and that the line between "charming local critter" and "neighborhood nuisance" can be a thin one.

For now, the turkeys of Wisconsin seem perfectly content strutting down the sidewalk like they own the block.

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So if you find yourself nose to beak with a feathered local this summer, stand tall, grab an umbrella if you have one handy, and show those turkeys who's boss.