This is the grim moment a badly-placed bird feeder ended up luring a young turkey into the claws of a hungry bobcat. The bird was attacked and killed in Alabama last month, with wildlife experts saying that had the feeder been better placed, the turkey may have avoided its violent death.

Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division said that, while well intentioned, the offending feeder had been strapped to the side of a large tree. That afforded any visiting birds limited visibility to keep an eye out for potential predators while feeding, leaving them very vulnerable to attack.

A spokesman said: ‘This juvenile gobbler was likely a regular visitor here until he became a bobcat’s meal. The limited visibility at the feeder due to surrounding ground vegetation worked to the predator’s advantage and resulted in a successful spot-and-stalk.

‘If you have feed out and want to decrease the risks to your turkeys, place the feeders in more open areas to provide greater visibility and a better chance of escape.’

They say the same advice applies to feeders set up for much smaller birds, and can help protect those animals from domestic cats.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected]

For more stories like this, check our news page

Source: Read Full Article