A flock of wild turkeys walking across a road, yard or golf course can feel surprising, but the birds are native and widespread in Florida.

Wild turkeys are large ground-feeding birds that use forests, woodland edges and openings where they can forage for seeds, acorns, fruits, insects and other small food items.

Florida is home to both eastern wild turkeys and the Osceola, or Florida wild turkey, which is associated with peninsular Florida.

Although they spend much of the day walking and feeding on the ground, wild turkeys are strong fliers over short distances and roost in trees at night.

The biggest neighborhood mistake is feeding them.

Repeated feeding can cause turkeys to gather unnaturally, lose their fear of people and begin lingering around homes.

That can create droppings, territorial behavior and conflicts that did not exist when the birds were simply passing through.

Keeping wild turkeys wild means letting them find their own food.

Adult males are larger and more dramatic, with dark iridescent feathers, a beard on the breast and colorful bare skin on the head and neck.

Females are slimmer and less colorful, and family groups may include young birds moving with hens.

A turkey that walks through a neighborhood is not automatically a problem.

If birds become too comfortable around people or act aggressively, residents can discourage them with loud noises, clapping, a strong spray of water or other non-contact hazing while making sure no one nearby is feeding them.

Do not corner or strike the birds.

If a wild turkey repeatedly acts aggressively toward people and creates a genuine safety problem, residents can seek guidance from wildlife authorities.

The practical takeaway: enjoy the sighting, do not feed the flock, and help preserve the natural wariness that keeps both turkeys and neighbors safer.