HILLIARD, Ohio — Anyone who lives in Hilliard probably knows about the "Hilliard Turkey Gang."
The three male turkeys have been running around neighborhoods in the city for about a year and have gained popularity on social media. They even have their own Facebook group.
However, not everyone is thrilled with them gobbling through the streets.
City leaders responded to complaints from upset residents who asked if the turkeys can be relocated -- and they said that won't be happening due to regulations from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
City Forester Andy Beare said in a Facebook post that the best option for people to do is to leave them alone.
“Feeding or attempting to touch the three male turkeys could be dangerous, especially as we near their mating season,” Beare said.
The city says the methods used to trap turkeys in remote areas are impractical or ineffective in surburban areas due to safety or disturbance. Turkeys that are released could continue their inappropriate actions where they are released or may move substantial distances to other cities.
“ODNR views them the same way as white-tailed deer,” Beare said. “Sometimes they can be a nuisance, but they are native to Ohio and should be allowed to do their own thing.”
So for anyone who encounters the turkey gang, the city is asking residents to leave them be because "Hilliard is their home too."