Wild turkeys have increasingly become a source of both fascination and frustration in Massachusetts neighborhoods, as their populations have rebounded since being nearly eradicated in the 19th century. Originally wiped out in the mid-1800s, wild turkeys were reintroduced in the early 1970s, starting with the release of 37 birds in Berkshire County. Since then, the species has flourished, with an estimated 37,000 turkeys now spread across the state, except on Nantucket.

The resurgence of wild turkeys has sparked mixed reactions among residents. Some appreciate having wildlife close to urban areas, enjoying the sight of the birds’ impressive wingspans and flight. Others, however, regard the birds as a nuisance. Incidents of turkeys causing damage and aggressive behavior have become more common, especially as the animals venture into populated communities.

In one recent example, Lauren Gillooly, a student at the University of Massachusetts Boston, found her car scratched as a wild turkey repeatedly pecked at its reflection on the vehicle’s surface. Biologists suggest these aggressive encounters occur when turkeys mistake their reflections for rival birds. Such interactions can cause frustration among residents like Gillooly, who questioned the reason behind the damage to her car.

The turkeys’ presence has also led to more serious conflicts. In the Squantum neighborhood of Quincy, a group of wild turkeys has reportedly attacked a local postal carrier on several occasions, raising concerns about the birds’ increasingly bold behavior. This has prompted some community members to voice a desire to control the population, either through relocation or culling.

Opinions on how to manage the growing turkey population vary widely. While some advocate for measures to remove or reduce the birds in residential areas, others prefer to coexist, feeding and observing them as part of the local ecosystem. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife continues to monitor the population and advises residents on how to minimize negative encounters with the birds.

As wild turkeys continue to adapt to suburban and urban environments, communities across Massachusetts are navigating the challenges and opportunities posed by the return of this once-extirpated species.