Wild Turkey Halts MTA Bus Traffic on Staten Island

The turkey briefly stopped a bus on Victory Boulevard, highlighting the growing presence of the birds on the island.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A wild turkey briefly halted traffic on Staten Island's Victory Boulevard on Wednesday when it stepped into a crosswalk in front of an MTA bus. The incident is the latest example of the growing turkey population on the island, which first emerged in the late 1990s after domesticated turkeys were reportedly released near the South Beach Psychiatric Center.

Why it matters

The continued presence of the turkeys, despite past management attempts, suggests a need for long-term coexistence strategies between urban development and wildlife habitats. The situation highlights the potential for unexpected interactions between humans and animals in populated areas.

The details

Bus No. 8256 came to a full stop as the turkey stood on the crosswalk, appearing to observe a poster advertising Manhattan's Museum of Sex. These turkeys have become a notable part of Staten Island's wildlife since the late 1990s, with flocks frequently seen crossing streets, roaming lawns, and gathering near landmarks. Past efforts by conservation and city agencies to relocate or manage the turkey population have had limited success.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The turkeys were first noticed in the late 1990s.

The players

MTA

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the bus that was halted by the turkey.

South Beach Psychiatric Center

The facility near where domesticated turkeys were reportedly released in the late 1990s, leading to the establishment of the wild turkey population on Staten Island.

Northwell Staten Island University Hospital

A landmark in Ocean Breeze where turkey flocks have been frequently seen gathering.

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The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the need for urban areas to find ways to coexist with the growing wildlife populations, such as the wild turkeys on Staten Island, and the potential for unexpected interactions that can disrupt daily life.