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Wild Turkeys: Take Steps to Prevent Issues

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 4 years ago.

Turkey Photo
Did you know that wild turkeys are the official game bird of Massachusetts, and they can flourish in both suburban and urban areas? 

The Cambridge Animal Commission recommends the following steps to make your property less attractive to turkeys:

  • Don't feed the turkeys.
  • Keep bird feeder areas clean.
  • Cover windows or other reflective objects. The turkeys have a pecking order and they see the reflection of themselves and believe it is another turkey. 
  • Protect your gardens.
  • Don’t let turkeys intimidate you. Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten them with loud noises, swatting with a broom or water sprayed from a hose.
  • Educate your neighbors. It requires the efforts of the entire neighborhood to help to keep wild turkeys wild.

If you have any further questions you can also contact the Animal Commission at 617-349-4376.

Additional Information

Learn about turkeys
Learn about common problems with wild animals

Page was last modified on 7/25/2023 5:11 AM
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