Wild turkeys cause power outages in Medford

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — A flock of wild turkeys, long considered menaces to one Oregon town, have sparked new ire after causing power outages in the eastern part of Medford.

The Mail Tribune reports (https://is.gd/KjJYj6 ) that wild turkeys flying into Pacific Power Lines have been responsible for four morning outages in the last month, each time cutting off power for more than 1,600 residents and businesses.

Pacific Power spokesman Monte Mendenhall says the outages are definitely caused by the turkeys, though it’s unclear how the utility will resolve the issue.

Unlike in rural areas, it is illegal to shoot or hunt within Medford’s city limits. And trapping turkeys is thought to be difficult and time consuming.

State wildlife biologists say the power outages are a new symptom of the old problem of people feeding turkeys, allowing them to establish urban flocks.

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Information from: Mail Tribune, http://www.mailtribune.com/