Community Corner

Monmouth Heights Residents Deal with Wild Neighbors

Have you seen the wild turkeys?

While wild turkeys aren't new to Marlboro Township, this year some Monmouth Heights residents are noticing more of the messy neighbors moving in.

According to Marlboro-Colts Neck Patch Facebook fans, you can see the turkeys in the early morning hours and around sundown, running the roost in the neighborhood.

Paul Rubin said, "I haven't seen them much in the past 3-4 weeks but in June and July there were about 5 running around between School Road and the side of Monmouth Heights closest to 18."

"They are messy but they stay off my property because I have a dog," said Karen Tricarico Sanzi. 

A recent story in the Asbury Park Press examined just want kind of mess these birds are leaving behind. According to interviewed neighbors, feces can be found all over driveways and on rooftops.


Some neighbors, like Sharon Sable, are resorting to scarecrow-like tactics. Or, simply barking like a dog, according to the APP.

The birds are protected by New Jersey, according to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The Asbury Park Press reported the DEP comes to Marlboro a few times a year for turkey captures.

Mayor Jon Hornik agreed that the birds are a part of nature, and if protected should be left alone. 

Share your turkey photos in our Seen in Marlboro blog, just like Monmouth Heights resident Caroline Darcy did! 


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