Wild turkeys turned a routine bike share trip into a feathery standoff outside Dado Tea on Massachusetts Avenue on Tuesday morning, surrounding and chasing a Cambridge Bluebike rider, according to video of the encounter. The rider, 32-year-old Emmett Z. McKinney, escaped without serious injury after a bird's talons struck his leg but did not break the skin. He later posted video of the close call and says neighbors have since clued him in that local turkeys can get testy during breeding season.
Gang of turkeys jumps Blue Bike rider on Mass Ave (live footage) from r/CambridgeMA
Caught On Camera Outside Dado Tea
McKinney, a Cambridge resident who moved to the city to attend MIT, told The Boston Globe he first spotted about five turkeys near the Bluebike station and started filming them for fun. The mood shifted when the birds closed in, encircled him, and then chased him as he pedaled away. One turkey's talons hit his exposed leg but did not break the skin. He told the Globe he still plans to use that station, just with a bit more caution.
According to the Globe, McKinney initially treated the flock as a quirky neighborhood novelty. That changed after people commenting on his video warned him that some Cambridge turkeys, especially during breeding season, are known to be a lot less cuddly than they look.
The clip, posted to a Cambridge subreddit, has been widely viewed and has unleashed a flood of local stories about similar run-ins plus plenty of armchair turkey-handling advice. Reddit commenters suggested waving umbrellas, making loud noises, or spraying water to look more threatening to the birds and avoid getting chased. Several people in the thread recalled more serious showdowns on delivery routes and near Harvard Square.
City Guidance And Safety Tips
City of Cambridge guidance is pretty blunt: "Don't let turkeys intimidate you." The city recommends scaring off bold birds with loud noises or bright lights, waving an umbrella, or spraying them with water from a hose. Cambridge's Animal Commission also urges residents not to feed wild turkeys and to report aggressive or sick animals to animal control. The city provides a living-with-wildlife fact sheet and contact information for the Animal Commission.
Not An Isolated Problem
Turkey trouble is hardly new around Greater Boston. A Cambridge postal carrier who was attacked in 2023 ended up needing hip replacement surgery, according to The Boston Globe. In 2024, a viral clip showed a turkey going after a parked car in Brighton, Boston.com reported. MassWildlife notes that breeding season and a habit of eating human food can make turkeys bolder and more likely to display aggressive behavior.
If you cross paths with an aggressive turkey, officials say to be "big, bad, and loud" - make noise, wave your arms or an umbrella, and use water to haze the bird until it moves on, while avoiding running, which can trigger a chase. For persistent problems or injured animals, residents can call Cambridge Animal Control at 617-349-4376 or check the online guidance from the City of Cambridge. People who encounter a seriously sick or dangerous animal can also contact MassWildlife for advice.
