Wild turkeys run rampant in Bergen County

NEW JERSEY (FOX 5 NEWS) - People who live in Teaneck, New Jersey, say wild turkeys are terrorizing their neighborhood. One family learned that the hard way. A turkey crashed through their window and into their kitchen. The community met to discuss ways to fight back.

Teaneck resident Courtney Lopchinsky called the turkey that crashed through her kitchen window a "gangster turkey." It happened just as she was sitting down to dinner with the kids. It caused about $6,000 of damage.

Turkeys sometimes attack when they see their own reflections. Maybe that is why they go after windows. It is also mating season now, when males are most aggressive.

The town council in this Bergen County community is so worried about the game birds, known to block traffic and even chase kids. Fish and Wildlife Agent Amy Decheser was called in and said you can defend yourself if it is attacking you but if it is just on your property you can humanely scare it away.

The council was presented with options to trap the birds. Animal rights advocates were in attendance and said there is a way to co-exist by making loud noises, spraying water, opening an umbrella, and more.

Courtney said she finally got her window fixed. She is still worried about the fowl outside her window.

For now Bergen County is donating air horns to Teaneck so residents can scare away the birds. Some council members said constantly blowing those horns could create a whole new nuisance in town.