ODNR to capture, relocate Hilliard's wild turkeys for safety

For almost two years, wild turkeys have captivated the hearts of many up and down Cemetery Road. Brash and often petulant, the animals have pecked at police cruisers, peered in business windows, chased snow plows and snarled traffic. At night, they roost high up in suburban treetops, only to return energized each day.

After amassing more than 5,000 followers on the Hilliard Turkey Gang Facebook page, loyalists are sad that this avian odyssey may be ending. Others − who prefer their birds on a plate with mashed potatoes and gravy − are relieved.

After Hilliard Police told The Dispatch this week that there were no plans to install warning signs at the bird's most frequent road crossings, a city official acknowledged that there were imminent plans to relocate them instead.

Read more about Hilliard's wild turkeysHilliard Turkey Gang

"We will not be putting up any signs," said Sgt. Suzanne Muraco. "It would be like any other animal crossing ... a goose, a dog or a deer."

ODNR officials agree to relocate the turkeys

But on Tuesday, David Ball, director of community relations, said that wildlife officers with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources had agreed to catch, relocate and release the animals at an undisclosed area. He said he had not been given a date or time.

Earlier this year, one of three male birds was injured either in a mishap with a car or assault by a resident, depending on whom you ask. He is recovering from a leg injury at the Ohio Wildlife Center in Northwest Columbus.

The animals, named after the city's three high schools: Davidson, Darby and Bradley, have been featured in numerous news reports replete with puns like having a leg up, being fowl intruders, gobbledygook or pecking order. But they've also taught motorists much about patience and kindness.

"We as a community need to treat the turkeys as if it was your pet, and watch for it if it’s in the streets. Would you want somebody to hit your animal?" asked Tonya Moore, a frequent Facebook poster.

"We could all benefit by practicing more patience," replied another Facebook follower.

And another: "People around here just need to slow down and appreciate that we get to coexist with native species even though we have destroyed their habitat!"

Related article:Wild turkeys have been disappearing from Ohio. State officials blame the weather

At daybreak they meander down busy streets, staring back at gawkers, chasing motorists who honk and exploring back alleys and shops.

A Facebook video purported to show an attempted abduction in the nearby Kroger parking lot. Witnesses said the assailants saw the birds as dinner.

But even hunters have grown fond of the remaining pair.

The turkeys have friends in Hilliard

"Once you get used to seeing an animal regularly, they become more like a pet," said John Brown, who is engaged to Tonya Moore. The pair visit the area near Cemetery and Leap roads nightly.

"They've got friends at Taco Bell," Brown said of the remaining pair. "They give them the stale taco chips."

How and why the birds relocated at such a busy area is somewhat of a mystery.

A short walk north on Leap Road at the Mulberry Apartments finds there are 15 fully stocked bird feeders, some with suet. Some say that's a natural draw.

Others say that the bird-Samaritans who feed the animals bread, nuts and leftover sandwiches are responsible.

Hilliard officials in January said that relocating the birds was "not an option," according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources because methods to capture them in remote areas "are often impractical or ineffective in suburban areas due to safety or disturbance."

A Hilliard Facebook post ended with "remember that Hilliard is their home too."

But on Tuesday and employee of Grismer Tire & Auto Service, whose sign offers 10 dollars off if you present a selfie with the turkeys, said that an ODNR wildlife officer asked him to lead the turkey pair into his lobby where it would be easier to capture.

That didn't happen. Mark Schuler, the assistant manager, said the officer said he'd return with backups and a new plan.

Schuler has seen the birds peer in his front windows, parting only for customers. Same at the busy post office next door.

"The good thing is that they chase the geese away," Schuler said. "We haven't had that problem for a long time."

Once gone, many say there will be a void in the return to normal with only keepsake glasses and T-shirts with the "Turkey Gang" logo left as keepsakes.

"It's very divisive," said Libby Gierach, head of the Hilliard Chamber of Commerce whose mantra is "Choose Hilliard," apparently not lost on the turkeys.

More:Efforts underway to increase Ohio's game birds populations

"I see them almost every day," said Phil Hinkelman, who owns a paper products company and mails packages frequently, sometimes bringing his young daughter.

"People are very defensive about them, People will be upset," Hinkelman said. "When people try to shoo them out of the street, others stop them and say 'How dare you.'"

"It'll ruffle some feathers," said Aaron Rhoades, who lives a half-mile west along Cemetery Road where the birds often roost in his towering maple.

How does he know they're there? "They start talking to you," he said.

Turkey loyalist Tonya Brown said when they're gone "I'll cry for a couple of days. But I'll be glad they're somewhere safe."

dnarciso@gannett.com

@DeanNarciso

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Adopted by Hilliard, ODNR to capture wild turkeys, relocate them