Turkey Nuisance Update

You may have seen some recent social media posts about a turkey attack on humans in District 19. Each year, especially in the Spring, alders get calls about turkey damage to property and aggressive behavior, especially towards pets. I get many calls because of the sizable flocks in Owen, Stricker's Pond and Wexford Parks. The incident on June 7 was unique because it involved potential injury of a child and collateral injury of an adult resident.

Madison, Dane County, and Wisconsin turkey nuisance response.

The City of Madison and the Madison Dane County Public Health Department (which has an animal control unit) do not have the authority or the capability to relocate or thin wild animal populations. Relocation or thinning of turkey flocks in Madison requires a permit from the Wisconsin DNR Biologist. Our state Biologist, Julie Widholm consults with the relevant Madison departments on whether granting such a permit is warranted. In the case of the June 7 incident, it would probably be the Madison Parks Department, since the flock involved is probably roosting in a nearby park. The few permits that are issued are often executed by Mike Owens, a DNR employee in the Waupun office. The city or county must pay the cost of the action.

In general, neither Madison nor the DNR have been eager to undertake relocations or thinning. They have preferred to focus on educating us humans on how to co-exist with the turkeys. For instance, the possible relocation of the large flock in Owen Conservation Park was not authorized.

Our DNR Biologist has informed me that she is consulting with Madison staff about whether this June 7 incident warrants issuing a permit. I might add that as news of the incident has spread, I've also received multiple emails urging calm and avoidance of any action against the turkeys. Many Madisonians love that we have wild animals living among us. I'll report the decision when I'm informed.

The DNR Turkey Nuisance Recommendations:

• Do not feed turkeys. This can result in aggressive birds and poses human health and safety risks.
• Remove birdseed from the ground, thus eliminating an easy food source that draws turkeys to your yard.
• Erect fences around your garden to help keep turkeys out. Turkeys can fly, but prefer to stay on the ground whenever possible.
• Scare tactics such as predator decoys, sticks and fences decorated with mylar flagging, and noise machines make turkeys uncomfortable and encourage them to locate new, friendlier habitat. Move objects frequently to keep birds on edge. 
• Spraying a garden hose at aggressive turkeys can help discourage them
• Nontoxic, biodegradable repellents such as Methyl anthranilate can be sprayed on crops, gardens and lawns to keep turkeys from using the area. This repellent has a bad taste that will deter turkeys while not harming them in any way.
• Collect fruit or nuts that fall from trees and dispose of them offsite.