Arlington Police acknowledged yesterday the town is besieged by turkeys, who have taken to strutting about the place as if they own it:

As if the snow hasn’t put enough of a wrench in the morning and afternoon commute it seems we have a flock of turkeys gathering on some of our busier streets. Now don’t tell them I said this but they are not the smartest birds. This is part of the reason it can be challenging to navigate around them and they don’t seem to understand that your car is way bigger and they should get out of the road.

Police advise residents to buck up and confront the poultry menace head on, because, while stupid, the birds can sense fear:

Don’t let turkeys intimidate you. Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten a bold or aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or spraying with a hose etc. They will become bolder if we stop and look at them or approach them in a non-threatening manner or even worse take pictures! They are very attracted to light and shiny objects. There have been instances in other communities of turkeys flying at people that were taking pictures because of the flash.

Oh, and for God's sake, police add: Don't feed them.