Wild Turkeys of a Different Variety

Turkeys have been terrorizing Brookline for some time, but a Bostonist reader happened to catch one in the act, just waiting to strike on Washington Square.

In September, the other BPD, the Brookline Police Department, warned residents about turkey trouble and what to do in case you are faced with the kind of wild turkey that doesn't come in a bottle. Our favorite tip from them is "Don’t let turkeys intimidate you — Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or with water from your garden hose." If you don't stand up to the turkey, the turkey will stand up to you--as evidenced in an episode in which a hopping mad turkey chased a woman around her car.

Last year, NPR did a story on how wild turkeys really aren't that funny if you're being chased by one. They are heavier than you think (try 30 pounds), they scratch, and they get riled up easily. But we can hardly blame them since it's fall and Thanksgiving isn't that far away.

Image courtesy of Joe Ranft.