Turkeys are our own fault

I was truly dismayed to hear about a turkey attacking Marilyn Johnson. She has my most sincere sympathies and wishes for a speedy recovery.

Some quick facts about turkeys:

Breeding period: April-May; young appear: June; average number of young: nine; range: 5-30 sq. miles; predators: bobcats, coyotes, foxes, eagles and great horned owls.

It doesn’t take mathematical genius to grasp that averaging nine poults per nest, the turkey population has become an unchecked explosion. Without natural predators, the marauding hordes wander willy-nilly through our neighborhoods, where a casual walk involves negotiating around turkey droppings.

In the wild, they may have splendor and charm. But in town, they are a nuisance. We complain about non-native fish in our lakes and invasive species attached to our watercraft. Surely, turkeys transplanted to Washington are just as invasive.

Technically we are to blame; we allowed or created this political hot button. One man’s pleasure is another man’s problem. Those who dearly cherish the turkeys should maintain and manage them in their yards, removing the headaches from those who don’t relish them. If we allow the turkeys to run amok, then we should also allow their predators or other deterrents as well.

One can only hope that common sense will prevail.

Pam Stotts

Spokane