Turkeys typically do not attack humans unless they feel threatened or provoked. Reasons for aggression include:
- Mating season: Male turkeys become territorial to protect mates and offspring.
- Protecting young: Mother turkeys defend their poults from perceived threats.
- Cornered or threatened: A trapped turkey may attack defensively.
- Habituation: Turkeys used to humans may lose their fear and become aggressive if they associate people with food.
- Misidentification: A turkey may mistake a hand or foot for food and peck at it.
Attacks are uncommon and can usually be avoided by respecting their space and avoiding sudden movements.