BOISE—The City of Boise, in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, will conduct an educational campaign in the neighborhoods where wild turkey flocks are causing nuisances.
As part of the campaign, a city webpage shares some steps neighbors can take to discourage and disperse urban wild turkeys. In addition, the U.S. Postal Service, whose carriers are encountering aggressive turkeys during their daily deliveries, will distribute to all affected neighbors a flyer created by the city and IDFG with information about turkeys.
“The existing turkey flocks in the North End are likely to continue growing if conditions remain favorable and people continue intentionally feeding turkeys, resulting in more situations where natural, but negative turkey behaviors create safety concerns,” said Jamie Utz, IDFG wildlife diversity biologist. “While urban wildlife presence can provide connections to nature, we encourage people to read and learn more about how to manage those interactions, help control the situation, and be part of the solution.”
Some of the advice the city and IDFG offer is to reduce food sources, specifically not feeding turkeys intentionally, but also removing fallen fruit or pet food from the yard.
Additionally, non-lethal deterrents can make your yard less inviting and successfully disperse turkeys away from your property. Some ideas include using reflective mylar tape, CDs, or pinwheels to create visual commotion that birds dislike. Turkeys hate getting wet, so using motion activated sprinklers or spraying them with a hose can be effective too.
February through April is breeding season and some male turkeys (toms) might be more aggressive towards people, pets and other turkeys. If a turkey acts aggressive, do not turn your back or retreat; instead, make yourself look large—spread arms, open a coat, be loud, clap, stomp. Residents can also use a broom, umbrella or other means to swipe toward the turkey if needed.
A full list of simple steps to control wild turkeys can be found here: cityofboise.org/urban-turkeys.
