What to know about wild turkeys as mating season continues. See safety tips

Turkeys are out and about across California, particularly Sacramento, as their spring breeding season continues.

Wild turkeys are a frequent sight across Sacramento, where large flocks have gathered since their numbers began to grow in California in the 1970s.

The birds frequently venture out in public from parks, greenbelts and the American River Parkway.

The birds can be more aggressive during mating season, which runs from February to May, wildlife officials said.

Here’s what you need to know:

What to know about wild turkeys

Male turkeys can weigh up to 25 pounds, but females average about half that weight, Audubon Magazine said.

While they spend most of their time on the ground, wild turkeys can fly at speeds of up to 60 mph. They also have excellent eyesight, the magazine said.

They can run at speeds of up to 18 mph, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said.

There are about 6.5 million wild turkeys in the United States, the agency said.

How did wild turkeys come to California?

Wild turkeys, which are not native to California, arrived in the Golden State in several waves over the years.

In 1959, the state began successful attempts to introduce wild turkeys to California as a game bird for hunting, University of California Integrated Pest Management said..

There are about a quarter million wild turkeys in California, experts said.

They now occupy about a quarter of California, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Are wild turkeys a problem?

The department also said birds can “destroy flowers and vegetable gardens, leave their droppings on patios and decks, and roost on cars, scratching the paint.”

They can become aggressive during their spring breeding season, “even charging, threatening, and acting aggressively toward people,” the agency said.

What to do when you see a wild turkey

According to the Humane Society, turkeys have a “pecking order” of dominance and will chase you or block your way if you or your pet act scared.

The nonprofit organization advises that you assert dominance and scaring the birds away by making noises, waving your arms, yelling or blowing a whistle.

If possible, you can open an umbrella, throw balls or squirt water at the turkey with a hose or squirt gun.

“Although wild turkeys may look large and intimidating, they are usually timid and scare easily,” the Humane Society said.

During the spring mating season, male turkeys can be drawn to and aggressive with reflective surfaces, such as windows, cars and mirrors, the Humane Society said. After you’ve chased the turkey away, cover any shining surfaces.

Can I feed wild turkeys?

According to state fish and wildlife officials, “wild turkeys don’t need your handouts.”

Feeding turkeys will make them comfortable around your property and can cause trouble for you and your neighbors.

Fish and wildlife officials advise people to remove bird feeders until the turkeys leave the area and install sprinklers if the wild fowl keep roaming into yards.

Can I kill wild turkeys?

If you plan to serve wild turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, you should think twice.

Shooting a firearm in urban areas is illegal, so killing wild turkeys with a gun is a no-no, then-city spokeswoman Gina Knepp told The Bee in 2019.

“No, you cannot go and shoot these turkeys,” she said.

However, you can hunt wild turkeys in the spring during California turkey season, which runs from March 25 to April 30, according to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. You’ll need a hunting license and upland game bird validation.

The Bee’s Hanh Truong contributed to this story.