An “aggressive” population of wild turkeys has been picking fights with Alameda residents in recent weeks, the Alameda Police Department warned.
Alameda Animal Control officers recently responded to two altercations involving angry turkeys, police said in a statement Thursday.
Last week, an 83-year-old woman told KGO-TV that a pair of wild turkeys ambushed her from behind, sending her to the emergency room for six stitches after she hit the sidewalk in a fall. The outlet also reported that a dog was the target of another attack.
This behavior is typical of turkeys in the thick of their spring mating and nesting season, which can stretch from late February through May. Male turkeys can also become aggressive while competing for dominance or protecting their offspring, police warned.
“While Alameda’s wild turkeys are a unique and memorable part of our community, it is important to remember they are still wild animals,” police said in a statement. “Residents are encouraged to give turkeys plenty of space. Due to their unpredictable behavior, do not attempt to feed or lure wild animals with food.”
Alameda residents were also advised to remove fallen fruit, nuts, birdseed and pet food from their yards to dissuade the turkeys from lingering on the property. Pet owners should keep their dogs leashed in public areas to avoid violent wildlife encounters, police said.
Male wild turkeys can stand up to 4 feet tall, with an even longer wingspan, according to the National Audubon Society. The fiercely territorial birds are not new to Alameda: The Chronicle reported in 2022 that wild turkeys were an established presence in the island city, frequently slowing traffic to a halt.
“Eventually the cop car starts honking, laying on the horn repeatedly,” cyclist Eric Case said at the time, recalling one such traffic encounter between a police officer and a bird. “And the turkey’s like, ‘Nope, I’m doing my thing.’ Alameda turkeys obey their own laws.”