A flock of wild turkeys is interested in space exploration so a NASA facility is helping them explore a nice reserve.
According to reports from local news agencies, the Ames Research Center in California has 500 acres and hosts scientists working on topics from exoplanets to flight technology, as well as about two dozen rowdy turkeys. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have been called in by Ames to try to relocate the birds to the San Antonio Valley Ecological Reserve.
While the turkeys currently pose minimal impact to the NASA community, biologists are humanely trapping and relocating them to an ecological reserve in Santa Clara to roam freely.
This new space station tech is for birds.
Ken Paglia, a spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, told the local TV station that there is already a small population of turkeys there.
According to The Mercury News, wild turkeys have been attacking cars and blocking traffic at the NASA center, leaving droppings around buildings and posing a threat to aircraft operations.
The situation at Ames is more difficult because people have been feeding the turkeys. Normally, the government wouldn't move the animals, according to Paglia.
The turkeys are due to begin nesting soon, which could cause more trouble for Ames. The relocation will help ensure that the young turkeys don't learn from older turkeys how to damage cars and landscaping.
The turkeys have steered clear of the facility, but NASA personnel are concerned about the birds.
Turkeys have gotten close to Moffett Federal Airfield but there have been no incidents or close calls.
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