The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has some tips for those who encounter groups of wild turkeys while they’re out walking. This is the breeding season for turkeys, and the males can get aggressive. DNR wildlife communications coordinator Hannah Schauer tells WSJM News one thing to do is to carry an umbrella. If turkeys approach, open it up to look bigger and that could scare the foul-tempered fowl away.
“You can also make loud noises, rattle a jar with coins, put your arms up and out to appear as large and intimidating as possible, and be really assertive with your tone,” Schauer said. “Don’t be shy. Doing those things will help them maintain their nature fear of people.”
Schauer says turkeys are known to attack their own reflections in windows and hub caps. You may want to cover the windows and park in a garage this time of year. This is turkey hunting season, and there’s more information at Michigan.gov/Turkey. Turkey season ends on June 7.
