While dogs have been the traditional bane of mail carriers, a turkey in Newton has chased a postal worker from his route. Watch Pam Cross' Report

Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys were hunted to extinction in Massachusetts by 1851.

Reintroduction of wild turkeys was successful in 1972 and 1973, when 37 turkeys were brought from New York.

More than 15,000 wild turkeys are now thought to live in the state.

Dealing With Wild Animals

Some wild animals are attracted to garbage or other food sources near humans.

Others are crowded out by growing human settlement.

Don't feed wild animals, as it alters their eating habits and can even be harmful to them.

Keep a tight lid on trash cans.

Animals are usually startled by sudden noises or lights, so use motion detecting lights or make a loud noise to frighten off unwanted guests.

You can order specific information on various animals from MassWildlife.

NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross reports that the 20- to 30-pound turkey, called "George" by some, has been hanging around the Newtonville neighborhood for months. "For eight months he was fine," mail carrier Tim Hoban said. "And then they started feeding him, and now I don't know whether he thinks I'm a threat to his food supply or what, but he's attacked me about five times now." Hoban has 14 years of experience, but he said that he's never been chased by a wild bird before. The turkey came after Hoban last week, chasing him up the street. "I'd been attacked by a dog. I'd rather have that dog attack me again rather than this turkey," Hoban said. "People think it's a cute little bird running up to me. Well, it's a wild animal." On his supervisor's advice, Hoban has stopped delivering mail to the residences where the turkey hangs out the most. "You welcome him, but when he interferes with mail, when he interferes with traffic on the street, you sort of feel sorry for him," resident Adele Cohen said. "He really needs a nice warm shelter." Wildlife experts said that the turkey is protected and he should not be captured or moved. Instead, the recommended that neighbors stop feeding the bird, and adults should use a long-handled broom to push the bird along.