MA Mail Carrier Needs Surgery After 'Aggressive' Turkey Attack

CAMBRIDGE, MA — A Weymouth postal carrier is recovering from hip surgery after being attacked by a turkey last month in Cambridge, according to Boston.com. Ed Mitchell, 49, has been working the same route for more than two decades and never previously had an issue with local wildlife.

Then a group of three turkeys began appearing near Harvard Square and acting aggressively toward him last year. Mitchell was crossing Huron Avenue on the afternoon of March 20 when one of the turkeys flew toward him, Boston. com reported.

Turkeys can fly at speeds of up to 50 mph, and the bird hit Mitchell and knocked him to the pavement. The birds then pecked at him until passersby shooed them away.

Aggressive turkeys have recently made headlines in the state. Kevin, the lone male in a pack of five turkeys in Woburn, gained a reputation as one of the most aggressive in the state and was even profiled in the UK-based Guardian newspaper last year. The turkey is apparently responsible for "a barrage of attacks."

Turkeys have flourished across Massachusetts after being reintroduced here in the 1970s. Many male turkeys get aggressive with people and vehicles similar to Canadian geese.

Turkeys may attempt to "dominate or attack people that they view as subordinates," especially during breeding season, according to MassWildlife. It's recommended to scare away any turkeys that are acting aggressively.

"Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or water sprayed from a hose," according to MassWildlife. "A dog on a leash is also an effective deterrent."

See related: MA Turkey Gang Leader 'Kevin' Thrust Into International Spotlight