TOMS RIVER – It’s turkey season in the Holiday City section of the township but for some, they’d rather see them on their Thanksgiving plate than around the community.
Residents of the 55 plus community have reported several attacks by a gaggle of wild turkeys in recent days. They have reported to news outlets that around 60 of the flightless birds have flocked around cars and doorways causing damage to property and in some cases even nipping residents who attempt to get them to leave the vicinity.
Would animal control officers take on the challenge of ridding the area of this fearsome flock? Apparently not. There will be no turkey trapping as animal control has no jurisdiction over wildlife and that includes the mean maverick turkeys.
Turkeys can weigh up to 20 pounds. Turkeys can trot to a pace of 20 mph so wear comfortable shoes if you wish to outrun them.
Holiday City isn’t the only area in Ocean County faced with some repeating feathered felons.
Ocean Gate has “Waldo” a turkey who often comes out on the street with friends who residents have given a name and often post his adventures, usually joined by other winged accomplices to social media.
Waldo’s exploits have been the interest of social media since the summer but his worst crime has been slowing down traffic in the borough. Waldo is a very media savvy bird. He even has his own Facebook page, Waldo the wild turkey featuring photos and videos of his adventures.
[adrotate banner="278"] One thing is for certain, should you encounter a wild turkey, approach the them with care and discretion.
Unlike their domesticated counterparts, wild turkeys are actually able to fly. The are actually pretty fast fliers and are quite agile. They usually fly close to the ground for no more than a quarter mile.
Wild turkeys have sharp eyes and good eyesight, but poor night vision. They will not see a predator until it is usually too late.
By dusk, most wild turkeys will head for the trees and roost well off the ground, up to around 16 meters.
As wild turkeys don’t migrate, in snowier parts of the country they tend to select large conifer trees where they can fly onto the branches and shelter from snowstorms.
