The wild turkeys and the South Jersey township

The township of Hainesport in Burlington County is sending a message to residents who opt to feed the growing wild turkey population: don't feed the birds or pay the fine.

In a township committee meeting Tuesday night, township officials gave their final approval of Ordinance 2012-5-6, otherwise known as the Ordinance Prohibiting Wild Turkey Feeding.

Residents of Hainesport say the wild turkey population has become increasingly aggressive. Some residents have even reported being harassed by the birds, who have apparently gone after joggers and have even tied up traffic by clogging the roadways and pecking at tires, according to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer.