Experts share practical advice for how to coexist with the wild birds that have been flocking to cities.
So, how did these once-elusive forest dwellers becomebackyard birdsin only a few decades?
Why Are Turkeys Are Drawn to Cities?
Credit:Anne Readel
Theyre much more adaptable to fragmented landscapes than we gave them credit, Drake says.
Its not a fancy answer, but thats all they need, she says.
The growing trend to integrate more green space into cities may also attract the boisterous birds.
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She believes such improvements have helped turkeys spread into numerous boroughs throughout the city.
Once they get to be an adult, theyre pretty safe, he says.
Turkeys in cities face fewer foes than their brethren in rural areas.
Faced with extinction a century ago, conservation efforts in the mid-1900s were extremely successful.
Today, around 6.5 millionwild turkeys live in the United States.
Yet, our new relationship with urban turkeys isnt problem-free.
Nuisance turkeys are often relocated to rural areas or killed.
Its not like mountain lions trying to eat you, Drake says.
I havent seen a lot of complaints about turkeys doing that, he says.
A lot of people find it fascinating to see them wandering around their neighborhoods, Beissinger says.
To coexist, turkeys must remain wary of people, advise the experts.
You don’t want them to intimidate you.
Ultimately, urban turkeys appear here to stay, so coexistence is key.
Wild Facts About Wild Turkeys.
