Brookline residents beware, turkey mating season is here, meaning you might run into some really aggressive turkeys.
Several aggressive turkeys were on Babcock Street Wednesday around 8:30 a.m., according to the Brookline Police Department.
“One such report stated a turkey chased a parking enforcement officer into a building and then began pcking on the glass door! Animal Control Officer Bridges subsequently responded to assist,” the department wrote on Facebook.
During turkey mating season, which is between March and May, male turkeys — also known as toms — become territorial and may look at humans as threats or competition, according to the department.
“They may chase, peck, or attempt to intimidate people entering what they consider their territory,” the department said.
If you see a turkey, the police department suggests:
- Maintaining a distance from wild turkeys.
- Never feed wild turkeys because it reinforces “bold” behavior.
- If a turkey comes near you, try to make yourself look large by opening your coat or raising your arms.
- Make loud noises to discourage turkeys from coming near you.
- Use an umbrella as a shield from turkeys.
- Keep small kids and pets close when in known turkey areas.
If you see an unusually aggressive turkey, call the Brookline Police Department’s Animal Control at 617-730-2222. Give them the location of the animal, time and description of the turkey’s behavior.
“This is a temporary seasonal occurrence,” the department said. “Turkey aggression typically subsides after mating season ends.”
