Davis Dealing With Too Many Wild Turkeys This Thanksgiving
DAVIS (CBS) -- A Northern California town is grappling with a turkey population explosion.
Thanksgiving is weeks away but the city of Davis is overrun with turkeys. There are so many that city leaders want to send the wild birds packing.
Wild turkeys are an everyday sight at the Rancho Yolo Senior Community.
"A few people who don't like the turkeys, I'm not one of them… I love the turkeys," says resident Greg Rayshel.
He and other residents say they've seen the flock grow each year.
"Just within the last couple months, there's a female turkey that's had a number of chicks," says Ninette Lawrence. "I don't care for them, they're very, very messy -- their droppings are everywhere"
Now the city is trying to deal with the growing number of complaints.
Still, many enjoy having the them around.
"They're wild and this is their home," says Geri Gmahling. "I'm totally fine with them"
Ten years ago there were only about nine wild turkeys in Davis. Now there's close to a hundred.
"We have this perfect little island for the turkeys, lots of food, lots of cover, " says John McNerney, a wildlife resource specialist.
The city is trying to figure out how to reduce the flock. This week, the city council voted to adopt a new turkey management plan.
The plan includes using nets and cages to trap and relocate about half the birds. The city is also considering a ban on feeding the birds.
Nevertheless, Rayshel hopes the wild birds never go away.
"They can come around, and run around, and have their fun."
