Eau Claire sees rise in aggressive turkeys
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – There's a nuisance in Eau Claire that isn't flying. With ruffled feathers and feisty feet, some birds are looking to get face to face with those in the city. Eau Claire Community Services Director, Lane Berg, explains, 'We've received a few calls from people stating that they've had a few aggressive turkeys chase them as they're navigating our trails system. Specifically on Old Wells Road between Domer Park and Highway 312.'
There are multiple videos online showing some of these aggressive birds. Berg says, 'The turkeys are not an imminent danger to people. They're kind of a nuisance and like to chase people.'
The city, the DNR and other experts say the aggression comes as turkeys are in the midst of mating season and 3 local turkeys are roosting up the commotion as they try to get their dating lives in motion. Turkey hunter Scott Deutscher says, 'You're going to see turkeys show mating activity, even as early as the middle of March.'
The city reports that humane removal of the birds would've cost about $1,300. Harvesting the birds was also considered, but according to Berg, 'We certainly don't want to go down that route. We consider the turkeys residents of Eau Claire, just like people.'
That leaves just one option. Returned aggression. Berg says, 'The DNR did indicate the one thing that's usually successful is harassment.
Deutscher explains, 'They're probably not used to aggression from an individual. Try to keep your distance from them. If they do approach you, stand your ground and match that aggression.'
No matter what you decide to do, stand your ground or run away, it could be a while before the turkeys settle down. The mating season could stretch to the end of May, and there is no release valve for the problem until then. But at least we have Thanksgiving to look forward to.
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Dr. Thomas Warren Jarrett lived a rich, full life. When he passed away on Oct. 22, 2023, Jarrett left behind loving family, friends and colleagues and a community blessed and strengthened by his presence — as well as a litany of professional and personal accomplishments achieved during a successful journey through life. However, for the former Daniels orthodontist and longtime community leader, an impressive resume wasn't nearly as important as his friends and his community, Dr. Mike Kominsky, one of those friends, said Thursday. "He was just the kind of guy that liked to do things under the cover of darkness," said Kominsky, who formed a friendship with Jarrett over the years based on a shared love of the outdoors, as well as gardening. "He didn't look for the accolades or didn't want to be honored for what he did. "He was always instrumental in trying to beautify Beckley; Beckley was his passion." "He was really into family and hometown, and he really wanted to see Beckley make it," Kominsky added. "He was a wealthy man, but his wealth was his friends, really. He always wanted to never lose touch. ... Friendship was everything to him." Pete Torrico II — another Jarrett friend who helped Kominsky and others spearhead the creation of Tom Jarrett Memorial Park on Raleigh County Memorial Airport property in recent months under the auspices of the Beckley Area Foundation and in conjunction with Bob Runion and the airport authority — said the park is a fitting memorial to Jarrett in recognizing the impact he had on the Beckley area. Torrico, a lifelong Beckley resident who had an enduring friendship with Jarrett, said he and Jarrett were simply "just good buddies." 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Cushman said Jarrett's will provided $250,000 to the foundation with the stipulation that it be matched by the public. In addition to earmarking some of the funds for the memorial park project, the remaining funds are used to leverage more endowments, she explained. Jarrett's children also created a fund in his name at the time of his passing. For more information on the Thomas W. Jarrett Memorial Fund, which was established in memory of Jarrett by his children, or to explore starting a similar fund or leaving a legacy gift on behalf of a family member or friend, contact the BAF at 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@ A local fisherman, 25-year-old Brendon Mann, of Beckley, was among those fishing on Thursday from the new pier at the park. Mann, who has been wheelchair-bound since 2021, said he appreciates the improvements made to the park, saying it makes fishing easier for him. "I love fishing," said Mann. "This pond has taught me patience. Because coming out fishing, you don't catch one every time. You just have to persevere through it. Come out when you want and when you can, and have a good time doing it and being in nature." • • • In 1977, Jarrett — a 1968 graduate of Greenbrier Military School who pursued his post-secondary education at WVU and St. Louis University — moved to Beckley and opened his orthodontic practice. According to his biographical information, he was an active member of the dental community and the Beckley area. He was a member of the American Dental Association and the WV Dental Association, as well as a member of the American Association of Orthodontics and past president of the WV Association of Orthodontics. Jarrett also served on the boards of the New River Dental Society and the Southern Association of Orthodontics, was a Diplomat of the International College of Dentists and a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics. 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He loved to fish, hike, golf and bike. He was a founder of Glade Creek Trout Association, a champion golfer, a youth sport coach and a devoted father.
