Soft toys are last defence from pesky bush turkeys

In spite of what this Gold Coast yard might look like, it's no teddy bears' picnic.

Instead, Highland Park resident Merlene Paul has taken to placing soft toys around her garden in a fend off messy bush turkeys.

The toys had sparked an "immediate response", Ms Paul told 9NEWS.

"They are, indeed, put off by teddy bears."

Ms Paul said she found the bird-scaring suggestion online, and went straight to the op shop to stock up.

"[We] bought up a whole lot of teddy bears, and planted them on stakes around our garden," she said.  

"And now, [the bush turkeys] simply avoid those areas."

Bush turkeys are a protected species in Australia and interfering with one can result in a $126,000 fine or jail time.

However, scaring them is perfectly legal.

"We thought it was hilarious [when we first placed the soft toys in our yard]," Ms Paul laughed.

"It's not a permanent solution, but it's definitely a deterrent for now."