Turkeys are being spotted all over Montreal — Here’s what to do if you see one

Winter in Montreal brings its fair share of challenges — slushy streets, snowplows and those ever-confusing parking signs. You can also add turkeys to that mix. And no, we’re not talking about the kind you pick up at the grocery store.

Lately, social media has been lighting up with sightings of wild turkeys roaming the city, adding an unexpected twist to Montreal’s winter landscape.

One clip, captured in late December, shows the big bird crossing a city street as police officers look on in confusion.

Earlier this month, someone on X caught a trio of turkeys making their way across boulevard Lacordaire in Saint-Léonard.

One of the more memorable sightings came from a Reddit user who shared a hilarious clip of two fearless turkeys chasing them down at the corner of rue Saint-Jacques and avenue Girouard.

Luckily, they got away unscathed.

Meanwhile, an NDG resident has taken the role of unofficial turkey correspondent, regularly sharing updates on their neighbourhood’s growing turkey population.

So what’s the deal with this addition to Montreal’s wildlife scene?

Wild turkey sightings have become more common in recent years. The gobbling birds, which nearly went extinct in Canada in the early 1900s, typically feed on fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts and insects — meaning the city’s milder winters and urban food sources are likely attracting them.

As their numbers grow, the City of Montreal website has shared tips on how to coexist with these creatures.

The city advises residents not to approach or feed wild turkeys. Instead, you can scare them off by making noise or using an object like an umbrella or stick to keep them at a distance — just don’t hit them.

Keeping turkeys at bay starts with limiting their access to food. Make sure garbage, recycling and compost bins are securely closed, and switch to bird feeders designed to prevent seeds from scattering — or temporarily remove feeders altogether if turkeys are hanging around.

During the warmer months, consider protecting your vegetable and berry plants with netting. Since turkeys prefer walking to flying, installing a fence around your yard can also be an effective way to keep them out.

By making small adjustments, Montrealers can learn to live alongside these unexpected visitors — without becoming the stars of the next viral chase video.