Wild turkeys foraging for food in residential areas can destroy landscapes and gardens, leave their droppings on sidewalks and patios, and have been known to roost on cars, scratching the paint. During breeding season in spring, turkeys can be particularly aggressive, charging and attacking people.

What can you do if you see a wild turkey in your neighborhood?

• Do not feed the turkeys. Many people don't know this, but it is actually illegal in California to feed wildlife according to this section of the California Code of Regulations.
• Remove bird feeders that might be attracting them.
• Install motion-detecting sprinklers to deter turkeys from foraging in your yard.
• Open an umbrella or wave a walking stick in front of you if confronted by an aggressive or persistent wild turkey.
• Proceed slowly when driving if you encounter a wild turkey in the roadway.

If you are thinking of catching one of these birds for your Thanksgiving table, keep in mind that wild turkeys are considered a game species and require a hunting license from California Department Fish and Wildlife for depredation.