A small Utah town has become overwhelmed by growing flocks of wild turkeys, leading county officials to pass a new law that could even result in jail time for residents who continue feeding wildlife.
The issue has become especially noticeable in Mendon, a town near the Wellsville Mountains where wild turkeys regularly descend into neighborhoods during the winter months.
Turkey Populations Exploded Over Time
According to local officials, the turkey problem started with only small groups appearing around town. Over time, however, those numbers rapidly increased.
Mayor Ed Buist said flocks that once contained a dozen birds eventually grew into gatherings of 60, then 100 or more, creating ongoing problems for residents.
The birds now regularly move through neighborhoods, yards, and streets in large numbers.
Residents Report Property Damage
As the turkey population expanded, so did complaints about damage caused by the birds.
Officials say the large flocks break tree branches, destroy shrubs, scatter decorative wreaths, and leave droppings throughout residential areas. Some homeowners reportedly deal with dozens of turkeys entering their yards every day during winter.
The growing destruction pushed local authorities to search for ways to discourage the birds from gathering near homes.
Feeding Wildlife Became the Main Concern
County officials say one major reason the turkey population kept returning was because residents were intentionally feeding them.
Authorities explained that once wildlife becomes dependent on human food sources, animals often lose their fear of populated areas and continue returning to neighborhoods.
The issue eventually prompted the Cache County Council to approve a new ordinance banning people from knowingly feeding wildlife on unincorporated county land.
New Law Includes Fines and Possible Jail Time
Under the ordinance, first-time violators may initially receive a warning and be ordered to remove accessible food sources within 48 hours.
However, repeated violations can result in escalating penalties. Multiple citations within a year could eventually lead to misdemeanor charges.
In Utah, a class B misdemeanor can carry fines of up to $1,000 and possible jail time of up to six months, though officials noted severe penalties would likely remain uncommon.
Wildlife Experts Warn Feeding Animals Can Be Harmful
State wildlife officials say feeding wild animals often creates larger ecological and public safety problems.
Animals attracted to neighborhoods may move closer to roads, spread diseases more easily, and become dependent on food sources that are unhealthy or unnatural for them.
Experts specifically warned that feeding wild turkeys can negatively affect both the birds and local communities.
Local Leaders Support the Ordinance
Despite jokes about people potentially ending up in jail for feeding turkeys, local leaders say the ordinance is mainly designed to prevent long-term problems before they worsen further.
Officials emphasized that the goal is education and prevention rather than harsh punishment.
For residents frustrated by growing turkey flocks and repeated property damage, however, the new law is seen as a necessary step toward restoring balance in the town.
