I thought we’d take a look at how to fight a turkey in honor of Thanksgiving. I get questions about fighting fantastic creatures “on the regular. Whenever possible, I always advise writers to look for the closest real animal equivalent and observe how that animal fights. Move in closer to the screen if your amazing creature or being resembles a turkey. This post is for you!.
Here, we are talking about wild turkeys, not domestic ones raised for food. Toms, the male form of wild turkeys, are approximately four feet tall, weigh more than twenty pounds, and have approximately four and a half feet of wingspan. They are big birds.
In brief bursts, wild turkeys can reach speeds of up to 55 mph, and they can run at roughly 25 mph. They are also just brimming with confidence. It’s not too difficult to locate footage of them menacing people, backing up traffic, and crossing the street casually. Here’s a video of a postman fending some off. You will observe that they quickly retreat from the prod but quickly resume their intimidating tactics. How to fight a wild turkey: If it happens to come across you, it will probably leap up and attempt to beat you with its wings like a thug. It might also attempt to peck at you. It’s fortunate that it won’t use its spurs because those babies are enormous. In one video I saw, a woman says a turkey leaped up and gave her a drop kick. But, even then, it didn’t use its spurs. I’m not saying they absolutely won’t use their spurs. That just not what they generally do. A turkey won’t kill you if it can “get” you. It will smack you around and possibly leave you with some bloody pecks, humiliating you. Growing up in the country, my father-in-law has spent a lot of time hunting in the woods. I questioned him about how he would protect himself from a turkey. Without missing a beat he said, “go faster. “Now that you’ve seen how quickly a turkey can run, 25 mph Usain Bolt runs 28mph. That doesn’t leave much hope for the rest of us. Fortunately, according to my father-in-law, turkeys won’t run you over. They will only pursue you for as long as it takes them to get to a safe distance from you. They are prey animals after all.
Wild turkeys are generally shy creatures, but during breeding season (March-May) or when they feel threatened, they can become aggressive. While a turkey attack may seem like an unlikely scenario, it’s important to know how to respond if you find yourself in this situation.
What to Do if a Turkey Attacks You
If a turkey charges or attacks you, the first and most important thing to do is stay calm. Running away will only trigger the turkey’s instinct to chase, so stand your ground and make yourself appear larger.
Here are some effective ways to deter an attacking turkey:
- Make loud noises: Yell, clap your hands, or bang pots and pans together. This will startle the turkey and may cause it to retreat.
- Use physical barriers: If you have a broom, umbrella, or other object, hold it up between yourself and the turkey. This will create a barrier and make it more difficult for the turkey to attack you.
- Spray water: If you have a hose or water bottle handy, spray the turkey with water. This will also startle it and may cause it to back down.
- Use a dog: If you have a dog on a leash, let it stand between you and the turkey. The dog’s presence may be enough to deter the turkey from attacking.
Do not attempt to physically fight the turkey. This will only escalate the situation and put you at risk of injury. Turkeys have sharp beaks and claws that can inflict serious damage.
What to Do if a Turkey is Stalking You
If a turkey is following you or seems to be stalking you, do not approach it. Instead slowly back away and keep your eye on the turkey. If the turkey continues to follow you, try to find a safe place to take refuge, such as a car or building.
When to Call for Help
If a turkey is attacking you aggressively or you are unable to deter it on your own, call for help immediately. Contact your local animal control or wildlife agency. They will be able to safely remove the turkey from the area.
How to Prevent Turkey Attacks
The best way to avoid a turkey attack is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Do not feed turkeys. This will encourage them to become dependent on humans for food and may make them more aggressive.
- Keep your distance from turkeys. If you see a turkey, give it a wide berth and avoid making eye contact.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to where turkeys are active in your area and avoid walking or running in those areas during breeding season.
- Protect your property. If turkeys are becoming a nuisance on your property, you can take steps to deter them, such as installing fences or netting around your yard.
FAQs about Turkey Attacks
Q: Will a turkey retreat if I assault it back or yell at it?
A: While yelling or making loud noises may startle a turkey and cause it to retreat, it is not guaranteed to work. Assaulting a turkey is never recommended, as it will only escalate the situation and put you at risk of injury.
Q: Are turkeys hard to outrun if they are already attacking you?
A: Wild turkeys can run up to 25 miles per hour, so outrunning one is not always possible. However, if you are able to create distance between yourself and the turkey, it may give up the chase.
Q: What should I do if I am injured by a turkey?
A: If you are injured by a turkey, seek medical attention immediately. Turkey attacks can cause serious injuries, including scratches, bites, and even broken bones.
While turkey attacks are rare, it is important to be prepared in case you encounter an aggressive bird. By following the tips above, you can reduce your risk of being attacked and know how to respond if an attack does occur. Remember, the best way to avoid a turkey attack is to prevent it from happening in the first place by being aware of your surroundings and taking steps to deter turkeys from your property.