Why are some animals considered ‘pests’? It comes down to culture and convenience

Calling an animal a ‘pest’ can sometimes cause more harm to people than the animal itself.

By: Elan Abrell, Wesleyan University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 22, 2026

Words: 1,339

Last Updated: 4 weeks ago

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By Elan Abrell, Wesleyan University

After wild turkeys attacked an 83-year-old woman in May 2026, sending her to the emergency room for stitches, police warned residents of Alameda, California, to avoid interacting with the animals. Wild turkeys can be particularly aggressive during mating season. They can also damage property: digging up gardens, staining decks with their droppings and occasionally attacking cars and windows when they mistake their own reflections for rival turkeys.

Turkeys …

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