If a wild turkey chases you, it’s important to remain calm and take steps to protect yourself. Here are some actions you can take:
1. Stay calm: It’s natural to feel scared when a turkey is chasing you, but try to stay calm and avoid panicking. Turkeys can sense fear, and reacting in a calm manner can help prevent the situation from escalating.
2. Maintain eye contact: Keep your eyes on the turkey and maintain eye contact as you slowly back away. Turkeys are less likely to attack if they feel that you are in control and not backing down.
3. Make yourself look big: Open your arms wide and raise them above your head to make yourself appear larger and more intimidating to the turkey. This can deter the turkey from approaching further.
4. Use loud noises: Turkeys can be scared off by loud noises. Shout, clap your hands, or use an air horn to startle the turkey and make it retreat. The unexpected noise can disrupt its aggression and give you a chance to move away.
5. Swat with a broom: If the turkey continues to advance, you can use a broom or a long stick to gently swat at it. This can create a physical barrier and discourage the turkey from approaching further.
6. Spray water: Turkeys dislike being sprayed with water, so if you have a hose or a spray bottle, use it to deter the turkey. Spray a fine mist towards the turkey without causing harm, as the water can startle and discourage it from continuing the chase.
7. Use a dog on a leash: If you have a well-trained dog, bring it on a leash and command it to stay between you and the turkey. The presence of a dog can intimidate the turkey and make it think twice about approaching.
8. Seek shelter: If possible, find a nearby building or car to seek refuge in until the turkey loses interest and moves away. Once inside, contact local authorities or animal control to report the aggressive turkey and seek further guidance.
9. Avoid feeding turkeys: Feeding turkeys can encourage them to become more comfortable around humans and potentially aggressive. Avoid feeding them, as it can contribute to the problem.
It’s important to remember that wild turkeys are protected in many areas, so it’s generally not advisable to harm or kill them unless absolutely necessary for personal safety. However, turkeys that repeatedly pose a threat to people may need to be reported to local authorities, who can assess the situation and take appropriate action.