Please Don't Feed the Turkeys!

Are you charmed by El Cerrito's wild turkeys, or do you find them a nuisance?

In neighboring Abany, at least some residents see the growing numbers of turkeys as a problem. The City of Albany issued the following bulletin Friday:

"Wild turkeys within the City of Albany have been a draw to many within the community.

"Although quite a spectacle, we reccomend that caution be exercised when in the presence of wild animals, including the wild turkeys.

"Please do not feed or handle wild turkeys or other wild animals. This can endanger both the animal and the person(s) involved.

"For more information and tips regarding wild turkeys, please visit the California Department of Fish and Game: www.keepmewild.org."

Here are some of the DFG recommendations for dealing with wild turkeys around your home and in the neighborhood:

• If turkeys begin feeding under hanging bird feeders, remove the feeders until the turkeys leave the area.
• If turkeys are causing problems in your yard, install motion-detecting sprinklers.
• Wild turkeys typically will not enter yards with dogs.
• If confronted by a wild turkey that has lost its fear of humans, an open umbrella may help steer it out of your path.
• Depredation permits are required to kill wild turkeys that are causing property damage. To get a depredation permit, contact your local Department of Fish & Game office.

For more about wild turkeys in El Cerrito, see:

"Wild Turkeys of El Cerrito and Kensington — A Gregarious Flock"

"Turkeys Back in Spotlight — Don't Forget Your Umbrella"

"Wildfowl Get Wild on Navellier / Menacing Turkey Assails Our Correspondent"

How do you feel about El Cerrito's wild turkeys? Tell us in the comments section below.