WA town's troublesome turkeys spared death

[August 27, 2009]  LA CONNER, Wash. (AP) -- Troublesome wild turkeys in the small northwest Washington tourist town of La Conner have been spared the chopping block.

The Skagit Valley Herald reports the City Council has decided that adoption is the best way to thin the flock of about 20 birds down to a more manageable number of seven. The newspaper reports that adoption offers flooded the council after reports circulated that the birds might face a grim end.

Residents have been complaining that the birds ruin yards, peck at houses and leave behind feathers and droppings.

Two council members had suggested killing the whole flock. But on Tuesday, the turkeys were spared.

Mayor Ramon Hayes says he lost sleep thinking about the ramifications of removing the turkeys entirely. The birds have become a bit of a tourist draw for the town.

Under the council's decision, Hayes will have to figure out how to trap the birds.

___

Information from: Skagit Valley Herald, http://www.skagitvalleyherald.com/

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.