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Home My WebLink About8A, Request for Wild Turkey Control�.� N HI E LLS Re uest for Council Action q Prepared By: James Lehnhoff, Council Meetin Date: March 29 2010 Community Development Director g ' Request for Wild Turkey Control Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source: N/A N/A N/A Recommendation: Provide staff with direction on the request to remove wild turkeys. Supportinq Documents: 1. March 29, 2010, Memo to the City Council 2. Letter and Pictures from Concerned Residents: • 3635 Snelling Avenue North • 1398 Arden View Drive 3. DNR Turkey Information 4. Article from the Star Tribune — March 22, 2010 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: March 29, 2010 TO: Mayor and City Council Sue Iverson, Acting City Administrator FROM: James Lehnhoff, Community Development director SUBJECT: Request for Wild Turkey Control Action Request Provide staff with direction on the request to remove wild turkeys. Back�round On �ebruary 23, 2010, the City was contacted by Ms. Heiman at 3 63 5 Snelling Ave N regarding concerns with aggressive wild turkeys in her yard that were also causing damage to the landscaping (Attachment A). The resident asked the City to obtain a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DTTR) to have the turkeys removed. This request, along with information about wild turkeys, was presented at the March 8, 2010, City Council meeting. The Council directed staff to contact Ms. Heiman to find out if the turkeys were still at the property since it had been a couple of weeks between the complaint and the Council meeting. This information was to be brought back to the March 29 meeting. U �j d= Staff spoke with Ms. Heiman on March 9 and March 22. Ms. Heiman reported that the turkeys were in her yard on both days and that the turkeys were continuing to create a nuisance. She submitted pictures of the turkeys and summertime pictures of her landscaping (Attachment A). She reiterated her request to have the City apply for a permit from the DNR to have the turkeys eliminated. She also extended her offer to pay for the turkey removal. There is no cost for the permit. C'�ty of't1r°den I�ills I�e�ula� C'ity C'ouncil 1'�leeting f'or Ma�°ch 29, 2010 Page 1 of 3 Another resident at 1398 Arden View Drive also submitted a letter with pictures expressing concern about the increasing number of wild turkeys in �rden Hills, though they did not request the City to remove the turkeys (Attachment A). VViid Turke� Removal As described in the March 8, 2010, memorandum to the City Council, the DNR can issue a permit to a city to have a specific number of wild turkeys captured and killed. Staff spoke with Bryan Leuth, Area Wildlife Supervisor for the DNR, to obtain additional details about the permit process and turkey control. The DNR does not have a relocation program because that may relocate the nuisance rather than solving the concern and it may cause genetic contamination between true wild turkeys and turkeys that have been raised and released by people. Private hunters can obtain turkey hunting permits; however, most communities in the metropolitan area do not permit hunting and/or the discharge of �rearms. In Arden Hills, the City Code prohibits discharging a firearn�, including a bow and arrow, for hunting purposes (Section 620.03). A person can request a permit from the City Council to use a firearm. If a turkey becomes a safety threat, a peace officer is allowed to kill the wild animal without prior permission. Before a city can obtain a permit to remove wild turkeys, the DNR requests that the city attempt to educate the public on how to abate the turkey nuisance without eliminating the turkeys. The DNR website includes information on turkey control (Attachment B). This information has been provided to Ms. Heiman, and she noted that she is not providing food for the turkeys. In cases where the turkeys continue to be a nuisance, the DNR will issue the removal permit to capture and kill the turkeyse In order to determine the number of turkeys that should be removed, the DNI� requires the city to request a particular number for removal and provide documentation on the reason for the number. A city can then contract to have the turkeys removed and killed. Mr. Leuth noted that it becomes more difficult in the spring to catch the wild turkeys because it is the start of their mating season and the turkeys often disburse once the snow has melted. In some cases, turkeys will remain in one location for a longer period of time. When that happens, he urges residents to be aggressive with the turkeys to get them out of their yard. Mr. Leuth recommended that if the City wanted to remove turkeys, the City should consider waiting until the winter to be most effective. There is not sufficient information on turkey behavior to know if the turkeys will gather in the same location next winter. Cityo uf Shoreview Turkey Removal Update At their March 1, 2010, meeting, the Shoreview City Council contracted to have up to 75 turkeys captured and killed, which was author�zed by a permit from the DNR. However, the Star Tribune reported on March 22 that the program was suspended after catching �ve turkeys. According to the article, the change in the weather and the ability to find more food has d�sbursed the turkeys (Attachment C). City ofArden Hills City Council Regular Meeting for March 8, 2010 Page 2 of 3 Previous Wild Animal Mana�ement Discussion At the October 16, 2006, worksession, the City Council discussed wild animal control, primarily �n relation to geese removal but also including wild turkeys, deer, and moles. The discussion included such control methods such as: controlled hunting of the animals, non-lethal management techniques used by the DNR (including barrier fences, scare tape, energized fences, hazing, and landscaping), and trapping and relocation. After the discussion, the City Council came to a consensus that the City should only address wild animal management issues that could impact public safety in Arden Hills. Although the wild turkeys at 3635 Snelling Avenue N may not be classi� ed as a threat to public safety, the property owner would not be able to have the turkeys captured and killed without permission from the City. Attachments A. Letter and Pictures from Concerned Residents: • 3 63 5 Snelling Avenue North • 1398 Arden View Drive B. DNR Turkey Information C. Article from the Star Tribune — March 22, 2010 City ofArden Hills City Council Regular Meeting for March 8, 201 D Page 3 of 3 ac r�r�en . e er an lc ure s ro�r� . onc er�r�e e s 1�n s: . • ne ln ve . . • r en 1 ev� rlv e �� EN HILLS March 29, 2010, Regular City Council Meeting ac �r�en . ur e n orr�r�a lon �� EN HILLS March 29, 2010, Regular City Council Meeting Living with wildlife: Turkey: Minnesota. DNR __ _ __ � � http://www.dnr.sta.te.mn.us/livingwith wildlife/turkeys/index.htrnl Once extirpated from M innesota, wild turkey restoration has been a phenomenal success. Today's turkey population descended from a successful release of turkeys that occurred between 1971 and 1973 when 29 adult wild turkeys were trapped in Missouri and transplanted to Houston County in extreme southeastern Minnesota. Since this modest beginning over 30 years ago, Minnesota's population has grown to more than 70,000 wild turkeys. Wild turkeys are active during the day and roost in trees overnight. They nest on the ground and the young turkeys (poults) are able to leave the nest shortly after hatching. They immediately begin foraging for insects, but stay in a brood with the hen until their flight feathers have developed. Because turkeys are large and active during daylight hours, they are often observed foraging for insects, grubs and seeds, their primary food source. However, since they are highly visible, they have sometimes been blamed for crop damage that has actually been caused by other animals such as deer, raccoons, squirrels or blackbirds. Studies in Wisconsin, Iowa and Ohio have concluded that turkeys seen in crop fields eat mainly waste grain and rarely cause significant crop damage. Instead, they can benefit farmers by eating i n sects a n d weed seed s. As both the human and turkey populations expand in Minnesota it is only natural to expect that increasing interactions will occur, some of them negative. Some wild turkeys that reside in urban areas have become acclimated to humans, which can create problems. Compounding the problem is the illegal practice of raising and releasing turkeys. Although well intentioned, people who release pen-reared turkeys are doing more harm than good. Pen-reared birds pose a potential disease threat to the wild turkey population, as well as other domestic poultry. They are also not wary of humans and may become a nuisance by roosting on roofs, in trees near homes, and on decks, and they are known to occasionally damage painted automotive surfaces. Some turkeys, usually the yearling males (jakes), may also become aggressive and chase homeowners, children and pets. If this behavior persists, these birds rnay need to be removed and destroyed by special permit. Tame turkeys are counter to the wild turkey restoration effort and are not typical of the wily behavior necessary for long-term survival of the largest of North American game birds. At first, the appearance of turkeys is usually novel and welcome. Property owners often regrettably feed the birds to encourage them to stay. It is only after the droppings accumulate, property is damaged, or residents are chased by aggressive jakes that they are considered a nuisance. 1 : � � . � ; � ; . � ; � � � ;,. ■ Don't raise and release turkeys. ■ Don't feed turkeys. Keep wild things wild! Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause turkeys to act tame and may lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially in the breeding season. ■ Keep bird feeder areas clean. Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground, as the seed attracts turkeys and other wild animals. Clean up spilled seed from other types of feeders daily. Temporarily discontinue feeding birds if turkeys are a nuisance. Remove feeders in the spring, as there is plenty of 1 of 3 3/25/2010 10:27 AM Living with wildlife: Turkey: Minnesota. DNR http://www.dnr.sta.te.mn.us/livingwith wildlife/turkeys/index.htrnl _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______ _ __ _ natural food available for all birds. ■ Do not allow turkeys to be comfortable in the presence of people; chase turkeys away from your residence. Don't let turkeys intimidate you. Don't hesitate to scare or threaten a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or water sprayed firom a hose. A dog on a leash is also an effiective deterrent. ■ Cover windows or other reflective objects If a turkey is pecking at a shiny object such as a vehicle or window, cover or otherwise disguise the object. Harass the bird by chasing it, squirting with a hose or other means of aggression. ■ Protect your gardens and crops. You can harass turkeys searching for food in your gardens. Dogs tethered on a run can also be effective in scaring turkeys away from gardens. Netting is another option to employ. In agricultural situations, some scare devices are effective. Motion activated sprinklers are available which can sometimes be effective. ■ Educate your neighbors. Pass this information along : Your efforts will be futile if neighbors are providing food for turkeys or neglecting to act boldly towards the birds. It requires the efforts of the entire neighborhood to help keep wild turkeys wild. Turkeys are important and valuable birds in Minnesota. They are classified as game birds for which regulated hunting seasons and management prograrr�s have been established. If you are experiencing problems with turkeys or have any questions regarding them, contact your r� �t � i� �i°�� i� or � r�� t � I�� r�� additional advice on dealing with these birds. ,� . � . �� Remember that wild turkeys have a"pecking order" and that habituated birds may respond to you as they do to another turkey. The best defense against aggressive or persistent turkeys is to prevent the birds from becoming habituated in the first place by being bold to them. Everyone in the neighborhood must do the same; it will be ineffective if you do so only on your property. Each and every turkey must view all humans as dominant in the pecking order and respond to them as superiors rather than subjects. Habituated turkeys may attempt to dominate or attack people that the birds view as subordinates. f Adult humans rnay drive off or deter these aggressive birds with bold action by forcefully fending them off with brooms or other non-injurious implements. However, the turkey may then recognize that individual as dominant but continue to respond to other people as subordinates. ■ Turkeys which repeatedly challenge or attack children or elderly persons or otherwise threaten public safety may ultimately have to be destroyed. Keep turkeys wild to avoid these consequences. ■ Trapping and relocating "nuisance" turkeys is not an option. The methods used to trap turkeys in remote areas are often impractical or ineffective in urban or suburban areas due to safety or disturbance. Released turkeys may also continue their inappropriate actions where they are released or may move substantial . distances to other suburban sites. . � � Some wild turkeys, especially in spring and early summer, choose to stand, walk, or pace back-and-forth in the center of busy 2 of 3 3/25/2010 10:27 AM Living with wildlife: Turkey: Minnesota. DNR highways, dodging vehicies and blocking : traffic. Some (but not all) of these birds are juvenile males and often do not strut or display. The reasons for this peculiar behavior are unknown. "Highway" turkeys are not easily dispersed, if at all. If a hazardous situation exists, : and the birds do not soon disperse on their own, they may have to be forcibly . removed. :.. . .. ... ..... ....... ... . .... . . ..... . ... .............. ........... . .. ....... .......... . .... . .... ..... .. ... . . ..... .. ...... ....... .. . . 3 of 3 http://www.dnr.sta,te.mn.us/livingwith wildlife/turkeys/index.htrnl _ 3/25/2410 10:27 .AM ac men . . r lc e rom e ar rl une a e arc � �� EN HILLS March 29, 2010, Regular City Council Meeting http ://www . sta.rtribune . c om/1 ocal/north/ 8 8 7 8 5 717.html ? elr=KArksUUU. .. . :.: :.. : ::.:: . � . :_ - : .. :_ ... ...� .. : .•.. ... ��......� �......� .... ��..... � � ...... .... � ..... . .�.•. . �..... .....�. � ....... .'� r��_.�. . .. ''�� ......� ��. . �.....• �. '...... http://www.sta.rtribune.com/templates/fdcp? 1269530628278 Turkey trouble eases witn spring Earlier in March, turkeys congregated in a wooded area off of Brigadoon Drive, above Snail Lake in Shoreview. Wild turkeys that were a nuisance in Shoreview have dispersed now that the snow has melted and they can more easily find food. By JOHN FUNK, Star Tribune Last update: March 22, 2010 - 2:45 AM A plan to capture and kill up to 75 wild turkeys in Shoreview was suspended for the season when na.ture granted an apparent reprieve after five birds were culled. The flocks, totaling more than 100 turkeys, had become a nuisance, breaking tree branches, roosting on roofs and dama.ging cars. "These are very human-habituated birds," said Brian Luth, wildlife ma.nager with the M innesota Department of Natural Resources. The city contracted Tom Keefe, president of Canada Goose Management, to capture the turkeys. But since the �rst five were netted, the weather has warmed, snow has melted, and the flocks have become less concentrated as the turkeys can find food more easily. "They've kind of dispersed for the season," Keefe said. "But if they come back next year, we've got our technique down, so we should be able to get 50 or more birds." Not everyone was pleased with the plan to kill the turkeys, though it was unanimously approved by the City Council. Dave Manka, whose uncle owns a hobby farm near Little Falls, Minn., volunteered to transport the birds to the farm. "I think we have an obligation as a huma.n species to figure out how to live with these anima.ls," Manka s aid. 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' ��'#. �4w'� � � '�'is. N � �i ':.�. •:.: �::::::::: � :::.::..: .... .>: :::::::.:::.. ..� :::::::::::.. ; ,.;.; .... :::::::::::;.: :::::::::::.. . . ............. :::.. :.:.... .....�... . �i �w:i \�^++viiJ:j:�i:�t ` . . �p . ,�^� '. : � : .� k x{� . . � . . � � � ��: � �� i�' 3t` �� 'b..a �.,� � : / } K � � { 's �'� h � i� 3 � 4� ° �`"`s Tt 3/25/2010 10:23 AM "' David Joles, Star Tribune file http://www.sta.rtribune.com/1 ocal/north/88785717.html?elr=KArksUtJU... . ..: ... ... � .:.:. . . :. , ; . . . . . : . . : : . ; ; ; : :. ��: . ' : : _ : �:. _ � ;.. ��' � :.�. : �. http://www.staxtribune.com/templates/fdcp? 1269530628278 According to Shoreview city ma.nager Terry Schwerm, even the local government would have preferred to move the turkeys rather than kill them. "The DNR permit did not allow for relocation," he said. The DNR's Luth offered several explanations for the agency's decision. "We've basically already got turkeys where we want them," he said. "And ... we're not completely sure where the s e b irds c ame from. It may b e that tliey were hand-raised or ha.nd-fed by sorneone, and we don't want those mixing with our truly wild turkeys somewhere else." Regarding Manka's offer to move the turkeys, Luth said, "State law does not allow someone to ac quire . . . wildlife . " Capturing wild turkeys in a residential setting has been a new experience for Keefe and lus Cottage Grove-based firm. They normally work in more rural settings, using self- propelled rocket nets. In suburban Shoreview, however, Keefe has used stationary nets. Keefe will donate the captured turkeys through southeast Asian community groups. John Funk is a University of Minnesota journalism student on assignment with the Star Tribune . 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