Wild turkeys terrorize mail carriers in Minneapolis

In November 2024, Northeast Minneapolis is experiencing unusual wildlife disturbances as wild turkeys have begun to aggressively pursue postal workers. This situation has become so significant that the United States Postal Service sent a letter to local customers addressing the problem. The letter advises residents to discourage the presence of these birds and not to feed them, pinpointing their behavior as a nuisance to mail carriers navigating the area. The interactions have confused some residents, like Ben and Maggie Katz, who moved from New York City and find it amusing to witness turkeys in their neighborhood but acknowledge the potential stress it causes for letter carriers. Joseph Tiemann, a postal service official, noted that while there have been no serious attacks, wild turkeys pose a unique challenge among various hazards faced by carriers, which also include cats and other animals. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources suggests practical measures for residents to manage the turkey population, including maintaining clean bird feeders and covering shiny objects that attract the birds. They recommend using loud noises or a broom to effectively chase the turkeys away, emphasizing that living in harmony with local wildlife is essential while still receiving the necessary postal services.