The turkey will be euthanized. Watch video
TEANECK -- A state wildlife technician captured a turkey Tuesday that had been plaguing Teaneck residents.
Teaneck has fielded complaints about turkeys from all over the township, Deputy Mayor Elie Katz said. The birds have reportedly chased people and refuse to back down.
One turkey crashed through a woman's kitchen window.
"Teaneck has been having a real turkey problem," Katz said.
The town summoned Amy DeCheser, a wildlife technician with the state Division of Fish and Wildlife, who caught a "Tom," a large male turkey. The males usually instigate aggressive behavior, especially during mating season, she said. With the tom gone, the problem should subside, she said.
A "Tom" turkey captured by Amy Decheser, a wildlife technician for the state Division of Fish and Wildlife. (Courtesy of Amy Decheser) DeCheser also attended the Teaneck Township Council meeting to give residents tips on dealing with aggressive turkeys. She suggested "humane harassment," by using noisemakers and even garden hoses to scare the animals off.
Turkeys are protected animals, so local police and animal control officers aren't allowed to handle them, said Vince Ascolese, the animal control officer for Teaneck. Ascolese, who runs Bergen County Humane Enforcement, said his group would donate 20 noise makers to Teaneck for the use of residents.
Residents followed DeCheser out of the meeting after her presentation and asked her what more could be done about the turkeys.
"We don't all walk around with a horn or a garden hose to spray at the turkeys," said Ronda Weinberg.
Weinberg and Alan Perl, a 30-year Teaneck resident, said they wanted more turkeys removed.
"I would like the moved," Perl said. "I don't want them harmed, they should just be moved."
DeCheser told residents they could call her at the Department of Environmental Protection if they noticed a pattern of aggressive turkey behavior. The "Tom" she captured will be euthanized, she said.
