In a Utah town, wild turkeys grew from a small flock to as many as 100 birds; after residents reported destruction around homes, the county moved to ban feeding them

Wild turkeys in Mendon, Utah, have grown from a flock of around a dozen birds to as many as 100, prompting concerns over damage to residential properties and the continued feeding of wildlife. According to Utah Public Radio, the birds arrive from nearby mountains every winter, damaging trees, bushes and outdoor decorations as their numbers increase. In response, the Cache County Council unanimously approved an ordinance on 12 May 2026 banning the intentional or knowing feeding of wildlife on unincorporated county land. The rules introduce warnings and potential penalties for repeat offenders, while wildlife officials have highlighted public safety and disease risks associated with feeding wild animals.Why did wild turkeys cause damage around homes in a Utah townThe increasing number of wild turkeys has been associated with damage to trees, bushes and outdoor decorations. Buist described the problems residents faced as the flock expanded, explaining that the birds were large enough to break branches from trees and damage bushes. Decorative wreaths were also affected, with artificial berries being removed and the wreaths sometimes ruined.Buist also highlighted the mess left behind by the birds, referring to their droppings as another source of frustration for residents. Despite these problems, some people continued to feed the turkeys and other wildlife. The mayor said that feeding had become an ongoing issue for certain residents, particularly as the birds continued to gather in the area.Cache County approve a ban on feeding wild turkeys in MendonThe concerns in Mendon contributed to Cache County's decision to introduce restrictions on feeding wild animals. County policy analyst Andrew Erickson said the proposal originally came from the county sheriff, who had raised concerns about the excessive number of wild turkeys in Mendon and the fact that people were feeding them.The Cache County Council unanimously approved the ordinance during its 12 May 2026 meeting. The measure prohibits people from intentionally or knowingly feeding wildlife on unincorporated county land, including parcels between Mendon and the nearby Wellsville Mountains. The rules include exemptions for people feeding certain birds, farmers distributing feed to livestock and other specified circumstances.What penalties can residents face for violating Utah’s wild animal feeding banThe ordinance establishes a graduated enforcement process for people who violate the feeding restrictions. For a first offence, a person may receive a verbal warning and be given 48 hours to remove food from places where wild animals can access it. A subsequent offence within one year may result in an infraction.Further violations can carry more serious consequences. According to the report, people who receive three citations within 12 months, or who continue feeding wild animals for more than 30 days after being instructed to stop, could face a Class B misdemeanour. In Utah, infractions can carry fines of up to $750, while Class B misdemeanours can result in fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Interim Cache County Attorney Dane Murray said the enforcement approach was not intended to criminalise otherwise law-abiding residents and welcomed the opportunity for an initial warning.Utah discourage feeding wild turkeys near residential areasThe Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has also highlighted the potential consequences of feeding wild animals. Faith Jolley, a spokesperson for the division, explained that animals fed by people often return to the same locations and may move closer to highways, towns and residential neighbourhoods. This behaviour can create public safety concerns as wildlife becomes accustomed to finding food near people.Jolley also described feeding turkeys as “highly discouraged”, citing the potential spread of diseases and the risk of harm when birds consume unfamiliar foods. These concerns formed part of the broader context surrounding the county's decision to restrict wildlife feeding. For Mendon Mayor Ed Buist, the new ordinance represents a response to the difficulties residents have experienced as the local turkey population has increased.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.