A wild turkey is causing havoc on trails near the Route 1 corridor in both Maryland and D.C.

The turkey, which is believed to be living in a wooded section of Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens according to Outdoor Life Magazine, has recently attacked people on and around the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail near Kenilworth Gardens.

Biologists say there is a small but robust population of wild turkeys in the area that is typically in more out-of-the-way spots that people don’t see.

Turkeys forage on forest floors for nuts, seeds, fruits and insects and are typically found in open forests, relying on trees for protection from predators.

But male turkeys, called toms, fiercely guard their territory, especially when eggs are nesting in the spring, which can lead to confrontations with people.

A recent video of an encounter with the wild turkey near Kenilworth Gardens has gone viral on social media, attracting national attention and several other reports have been made of similar attacks by the wild turkey.

The Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation Department and the National Park Service have put up signs warning people to stay away from the turkey and at least a half a dozen government agencies are trying to catch the wild turkey and relocate it.

If you encounter the wild turkey on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail near Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, the Bladensburg Waterfront Park, or elsewhere, call the Humane Rescue Alliance at 202-723-5730, which has a 24-hour dispatch. You can also call Kenilworth Gardens at 202-692-6080.

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