It seems Portage la Prairie might have a turkey problem this Thanksgiving—word is, the turkeys have heard about the upcoming dinners and decided to stage a preemptive strike! Locals are reporting turkeys roaming the streets, forming their own “flocktoberfest.”
In recent years, the yards and properties of Portage residents have become unintended hosts to wild turkeys. While you might be tempted to nab one for dinner, Todd Whiklo, game and fur manager for Manitoba’s Wildlife Branch, says it’s best to keep your distance. He explains the birds were introduced to Manitoba in the 1950s.
"They’re a bit of a success story in wildlife. We’ve had a number of releases over the years, and the population seems to have taken hold in southern Manitoba. But sometimes, a good news story gets a little too good, and we’re seeing turkeys setting up shop in some urban areas, including Portage."
Turkeys are native to North America but were nearly wiped out by the 1920s. Since then, there’s been a concerted effort to reintroduce them across parts of North America, including Manitoba. Though they are popular with bird hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, Whiklo says the last 20 years have seen them become a bit of an issue in some areas.
“They have a foothold now, and while it’s good for wildlife in most parts of Manitoba, they can sometimes move into towns or cities and cause issues. If they set up in people’s yards, they can scrape up gardens and become a nuisance.”
Whiklo advises keeping a safe distance from all wildlife, including turkeys.
“Give them their space. There isn’t a ton of risk associated with turkeys, but people don’t want them tearing up their yards. We have information on coexisting with wildlife on the Wildlife Branch website, offering tips on excluding them from your property.”
The province also runs a turkey trap-and-release program in collaboration with the Government of Manitoba and the National Wildlife Federation. The program relocates turkeys from problem areas to regions where they’re welcomed by landowners.
“If they’ve become a bit of a nuisance, we’ll trap and move them to other areas. It’s a win-win. People who enjoy turkeys can see them, and others can have their space back.”
Whiklo urges the public not to feed the turkeys, as it encourages them to return.
“They’re a flocking species, so once a few birds find food, others will follow. That’s when you start to have an issue.”
Though the turkeys might seem harmless, Whiklo warns against approaching them.
“Male turkeys in the spring can puff up and show aggression, especially if they see their reflection in things like patio doors. No matter how cute or harmless wildlife looks, it’s best to give it space.”
Turkeys often remain through the winter, especially if they find food, like spilt birdseed in backyards. Whiklo says if you’re dealing with an issue, you can contact your local Conservation Officer or email the Wildlife Branch at wildlife@gov.mb.ca for help with turkey trapping or release programs.
Maybe they're just negotiating for better stuffing. Watch out, Portage—these birds aren’t playing fowl!