Wild Turkeys are highly social animals, commonly forming large flocks. Many people wonder about are wild turkeys dangerous? In this article, we will know about almost everything related to wild turkeys.
Like the other birds and mammals, who have been restored through conservation efforts, wild turkeys are also preserved by many outdoor enthusiasts. Wild turkeys have positively responded to the wildlife habitat and population management. However, in some areas, the increase in their number has caused significant problems to the property and crops and has also been a threat to human health and safety.
What are the damages caused by wild turkeys?
The wild turkeys frequently damage the agricultural fields, crops, pastures, and vineyards. The complaints about wild turkeys damaging agriculture have increased with their population.
Most of the objections are registered during the growing season when the turkeys are seen in melon, corn, bean, and other small grain and vegetable crops. They might also destroy the fruit orchards and other specialty crops that are bedded. The damages by wild turkeys also occur in open silage pits and from scratching wheat, oats, and other things during the winter.
Are wild turkeys dangerous to humans?
The wild turkeys that become familiar to the urban and suburban communities, especially the mature males, can become very aggressive towards the people during the breeding season. They do not cause too much damage, but they chase and harass the children most of the time. The grown-up people can also sometimes be at risk with the aggressive turkeys.
What are the diseases that wild turkeys suffer through?
Wild turkeys are prone to numerous diseases. They might suffer from infectious diseases like avian pox, Lymphoproliferative neoplasms, contagious sinusitis, and histomoniasis. Most of these diseases are transmitted to the wild turkeys from poultry sources. These and many other illnesses found in wild turkeys do not threaten human health. Although, it is recommended not to eat wild turkeys that might have an infectious disease.
Wild turkeys are also the hosts for multiple internal parasites such as protozoans, nematodes, anthropods, and many others. And, the weakened turkeys are more prone to predators and diseases. External parasites such as ticks, mites, louse flies, and others are found on turkeys. Some of these can also be transmitted to people, so it is suggested that people should wear appropriate protective gear while handling live or harvested turkeys.
What to do if attacked by a Wild Turkey?
The wildlife officials have passed on many tips for you if attacked by a wild turkey. These birds can become aggressive during their breeding season. They threaten and act aggressively towards people.
- If a wild turkey is no more afraid of you, then at that very moment, an open umbrella can help you in clearing the path.
- If you have a dog, then that can help too. You must know the fact that leashed dogs can keep off turkeys.
What measures should be taken to prevent conflict with wild turkeys?
We are now aware of the fact that turkeys might attack people and cause damage to their property. So, to prevent this from happening, there are various tips provided by the wildlife organization.
- Feeding wild turkeys- Do not try to treat the wildlife as domestic. Keep them as they are. Please do not feed the wild turkeys to invite them to your property. Providing them might lead to their bold and aggressive behavior. Let the people in your neighborhood be familiar with this tip, as they acting over-friendly with the turkeys might also result in your loss.
- Clean the bird feeder area- Take the assistance of the feeders to keep the seeds above the ground, as the bird seeds may invite turkeys and other wild animals too, and they might excrete on the seed pile and spread diseases. So, clean any seed spilled by the bird and remove the seeders during spring, as plenty of natural foods is available for the birds to feed on.
- Keep your gardens and crops protected- You can disturb and harass the turkeys looking for food in your garden by loud noises, spraying water from a hose, or a leashed dog. You can also use netting, as it can effectively eliminate the turkeys from your garden.
- Cover the reflective and shiny objects- It is known that turkeys act aggressively on shiny objects and their reflection. Their stimulus to ward away the intruder is very strong. They will keep attacking until their consideration goes away, so you should cover the reflective and shiny object to prevent this from happening.
Frequently asked Questions
Can I kill a wild turkey in my yard?
Hunting turkeys is significant assistance in controlling their population. So, it is entirely safe and legal to hunt a turkey in your yard. You require a hunting license and upland game bird stamp to pursue them.
What are the turkeys afraid of?
The wild turkeys are afraid of uncommon, unidentifiable objects like kites flying from tall poles, waving hands in the air, and opening an umbrella. These actions will scare the turkeys and will keep them away.
Are wild turkeys dangerous to dogs?
The answer to this is yes and no. Small dogs possess a threat from the wild turkeys, as these birds might get aggressive and attack small dogs, and the other dogs are said to scare them away. It is said that it is essential to keep the animals leashed.
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