COLUMBUS – The last of Hilliard’s “turkey gang” will soon be removed from the city.
According to a post on the city’s Facebook page Sunday, one of two remaining turkeys “is being kept in a safe location by state wildlife officials until the final bird can be safely caught and they can be released together.”
The trio of gobblers have gained significant community and media attention during the past year.
After the remaining bird is captured, the three will be safely relocated to “an appropriate natural environment” outside of the suburb where hunting is prohibited but where the birds can interact with other wild turkeys, city officials reported.
“The city and wildlife officials had previously hoped the turkeys would naturally move to a different location. Unfortunately, humans have made it more attractive to stay in Hilliard by feeding them, approaching them for photos, and otherwise habituating them to close contact with people,” officials wrote on the post.
For their own safety and for the safety of the public, finding the turkeys a new home out of populated areas is “the best outcome for everyone.”
City officials remind the public it is never recommended to feed or approach wild animals. Until the third turkey is captured, residents are reminded not to feed the bird and to avoid approaching it for photos.