Boise Warns Residents About Aggressive Urban Turkeys

City officials advise residents on how to protect themselves from the unruly birds.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Boise residents are being warned about an influx of aggressive urban turkeys that have been causing problems in the city's neighborhoods. The turkeys have become a safety concern, with officials advising residents to take measures like using motion-activated sprinklers, reflective tape, and allowing dogs to chase the birds away. Residents are also reminded not to feed the turkeys, as that can encourage the unruly behavior.

Why it matters

Urban wildlife can pose a safety risk to residents, especially when the animals become overly aggressive and lose their natural fear of humans. The turkey situation in Boise highlights the need for community awareness and proactive measures to address wildlife conflicts in populated areas.

The details

Boise officials are warning residents about a growing problem with aggressive urban turkeys roaming the city's neighborhoods. The turkeys have reportedly become a nuisance, with some residents reporting the birds acting in an intimidating manner. To address the issue, the city is advising homeowners to use deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers, reflective tape, and allowing dogs to chase the turkeys away when appropriate. Residents are also strongly reminded not to feed the turkeys, as that can reinforce the undesirable behavior.

  • The turkey problem in Boise has been an ongoing issue in recent months.

The players

Boise

The city of Boise, Idaho, where the aggressive urban turkey problem has been reported.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This situation in Boise highlights the need for urban communities to be proactive in managing wildlife conflicts, as unruly animal behavior can pose a real safety risk to residents. By using deterrents and avoiding behaviors that encourage the animals, cities can help mitigate these types of issues.