Don't feed the turkeys! Kimberley urged to outlaw feeding big birds
Provincial officials want Kootenay town to ban feeding of wild turkeys, which are a growing menace
It's common sense not to feed wild bears and most people around the province are learning it's a bad idea to feed deer. But now provincial officials are urging Kimberley residents to quit feeding wild turkeys.
Forests Ministry staff in Kimberley want the city to amend its current bylaw that prohibits the feeding of deer and other wildlife.
They say populations of wild turkeys in the Kootenays have increased over the last five years, and the birds are becoming habituated.
That has led to an increase in noise complaints along with concerns the big birds can damage property and be quite aggressive.
In 2015 the City of Castlegar commissioned two turkey crossing signs to warn motorists of a growing hazard along Highway 3 after a flock of wild turkeys started crossing the road four times a day.
