the wildlife

Gobble, Gobble, In Our Parks Turkey’s Wobble!

By Melissa Pfannenstiel and Andrew Carr

It is not uncommon to see a wild turkey in Legacy Park. Andy Carr, Assistant Superintendent of Park Operations, shared, “We have turkeys in Legacy Park in the spring quite often. There are two flocks out here. We see them on the back trail. They will roost in the tree behind the softball fields.”

However, in the 1950s, you would have been hard-pressed to catch a glimpse of these colorful creatures. According to the University of Missouri Extension, it is estimated that only 2,500 of them were living in the Show Me State at that time.

Since then, Missouri’s wild turkey population has been slowly increasing due to conservation initiatives, including the relocation of turkeys from heavily populated areas. Missouri is now home to over 600,000 wild turkeys.

The type you will happen upon in Missouri is the Eastern variety. Wild turkeys can live in dense forests or a field. They prefer a forest with some ground cover that can be used as protection and a food source. Due to its omnivorous nature, the wild turkey eats a very wide variety of foods, including berries, nuts, insects, and even small animals!

Andy Carr explained how LSPR Parks help to support the turkeys, “The park benefits the turkey and wildlife. LSPR’s native habitat helps the turkey to survive as they get pushed out of their environment as more subdivisions are built. The main benefit LSPR gains is an increased number of wildlife species our patrons get to enjoy seeing in our parks.”

Did you know it’s a myth that turkeys can’t fly? Wild turkeys have been known to fly up to 55 mph in short bursts! Some additional fun turkey facts from the University of Missouri Extension: Toms, the male wild turkeys, have brilliant red heads and necks, iridescent feathers, and fan-shaped tails. Hens are the females and are smaller with a subdued appearance. Both sexes have lengthy legs that allow them to sprint or take to the air rapidly in times of danger. Male turkeys use their loud, gobbling call to woo females and claim territory. Female turkeys can purr like a cat, yell, or cluck to get their point across.

Despite the increased turkey population, wild turkeys suffer a variety of problems in Missouri. Our turkey buddies must contend with disease, habitat destruction, and predators. Hunting remains an important component of turkey management in the state. Conservation efforts are focused on providing sustainable hunting populations and the long-term survival of wild turkeys.

In conclusion, the fact that you see wild turkeys out and about in Missouri is proof of both nature’s tenacity and the effectiveness of conservation efforts. The recovery of wild turkey populations is a success story that should inspire us to continue working to protect and restore our natural world. By working together, we ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of our community.