How to deal with aggressive wild turkeys in Rhode Island | Wild turkey

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Rhode Island > Animal is behaving aggressively > Wild turkey

Wild turkeys that become used to being fed and seeing people are likely to become aggressive toward people. These turkeys react to people (and sometimes pets) as they would a rival turkey. The best way to prevent turkeys from becoming too accustomed to humans is to not feed them.

You can frighten bold turkeys out of your yard by:

Chasing them
Spraying them with a hose
Sounding an air horn
Setting off fireworks such as bird screamers or bangers
Waving a broom
Opening a large umbrella while facing them
Allowing your dog free access to the area

Be bold with the offending turkeys and encourage other adults in your neighborhood to do the same.

Turkeys that repeatedly challenge or attack people or threaten public safety should be reported to the state wildlife agency for possible removal and destruction. Capturing, moving, and releasing turkeys displaying this type of behavior often simply transfers the problem to another property owner.

Laws and regulations to be aware of

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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