Fowl play: Turkeys attack police and residents in Massachusetts town

A gang of marauding turkeys has been causing chaos in a small town in Massachusetts, harassing residents and police.

The birds, which are native to the area, have been filmed chasing police cars and attacking residents in Bridgewater, about 30 miles (50km) south of Boston.

Local officials say there is not much they can do as the turkeys are wildlife and, as a result, they do not come under their jurisdiction.

One of the victims, Bob Smith, filmed the animals as they came at him close to his home.

He told ABC affiliate WCVB: "They've been chasing me. They've imprinted on me (that I am) lower in the pecking order.

"They came from over a hill behind me. The first one in the flock pecked me in the calf. I was moving away from them. They figured 'we have more power over you. You're scared of us'.

"I'm facing off at them right up to the point that one came at me with his spurs."

Bridgewater Police put out a warning on social media, with a video showing one of their patrol cars being pursued by a group of four of the birds.

It said: "Aggressive turkeys are a problem in town. State law doesn't allow the police or the Animal Control Office to remove them."

Experts say the birds can be highly territorial and will make efforts to exert their dominance if allowed.

Town authorities told anyone with serious concerns to contact the state society for the protection of animals for advice about how to act around the turkeys.