Full Breakdown
Ottawa Man's Encounter with Wild Turkeys Captured on Video
2/25/2026, 4:46:14 AM
Unexpected Turkey Chase in Ottawa
On a Thursday afternoon, Michael Bourgon, a lab technician in Ottawa, experienced an unusual encounter with two wild turkeys while walking near the intersection of Prince of Wales Drive and Heron Road. The incident, which was filmed by local resident Jody Paul, shows Bourgon attempting to evade the aggressive birds as they followed him across a busy crosswalk. Bourgon initially greeted the turkeys casually, but their behavior quickly escalated, prompting him to kick snow in their direction in an attempt to deter them.
Viral Moment and Community Response
The video, which captured Bourgon's frantic escape, quickly gained traction on social media after being shared on Reddit by Paul's coworker. Bourgon described the moment as humorous, stating, "I was not in the mood for turkey business." Eventually, a passing vehicle stopped to assist him, allowing Bourgon to escape while the turkeys continued to peck at the car door. Paul, who filmed the encounter, expressed his desire to memorialize the amusing situation, noting, "It was so naturally funny."
Insights on Wild Turkeys
According to Cornell University's ornithology lab, wild turkeys are omnivorous birds that typically inhabit wooded areas. They are known to forage for food and can exhibit aggressive behavior, particularly when they feel threatened or are protecting their territory. Following the incident, Bourgon encountered the same turkeys the next day near the Central Experimental Farm. This time, he took a different approach, standing his ground and successfully avoiding a repeat chase by maintaining eye contact and backing away slowly.
Community Reactions and Future Encounters
Bourgon's experience has sparked interest and laughter within the Ottawa community, highlighting the sometimes humorous interactions between humans and wildlife. While Bourgon has not been in contact with Paul since the incident, he expressed appreciation for the assistance he received from the stranger in the vehicle. The videos have not only entertained viewers but also raised awareness about the presence of wild turkeys in urban areas.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I see a couple of turkeys. I didn't think too much of it. I said, 'Hey, what's up, turkeys?' And then they started coming at me,” — Michael Bourgon
- “I was on my way home and I kind of noticed these two turkeys chasing this poor guy and it was so, like, naturally funny that I just kind of wanted to capture it on video and kind of memorialize the moment.” — Jody Paul
This unexpected encounter serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of urban wildlife and the amusing situations that can arise from such interactions.
