RCsSnaps via Reddit/Allison Lloyd
Audio By Carbonatix
Why did the turkey cross Colorado Boulevard?
Many Denver residents asked themselves that question this past week, as wild turkeys have been increasingly spotted throughout the metro area. A slew of social media posts over the past two weeks have documented the avian adventurers roaming downtown parking garages and busy intersections, and resting in residential yards and atop cars.
Greenwood Village police received multiple reports of turkeys wandering the streets near the Denver Tech Center on Monday, March 30, said city spokesperson Megan Copenhaver.
“They’re just looking for snacks, strutting their stuff, and occasionally crossing roads (reasons unknown, but we suspect it’s for the thrill),” Copenhaver says.
Turkeys are native to Colorado and found all over the state. The birds can be seen in urban areas year-round, but they’re particularly active this time of year, explains Kara Van Hoose, spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The birds become more visible during April and May, as it is peak mating season. Metro residents will continue to encounter wild turkeys over the next several weeks, but they should be careful not to approach them, Van Hoose says.
“Male turkeys (toms) can be more aggressive during mating season as they try to find multiple mates,” she adds. “If you do come across a turkey, give them lots of space. Do not feed or attract turkeys to your yard. They do not need our help finding food or water and unnatural food can be harsh or harmful on their digestive system.”
Copenhaver encourages motorists to drive slowly, especially in neighborhoods near parks, in case the animals unexpectedly jump in the road.
“Sudden turkey crossings are the ultimate test of your brakes (and patience),” Copenhaver says.
If a turkey is blocking traffic or causing public safety concerns in Greenwood Village, contact the police department’s non-emergency line at 303-773-2525.
In Denver, if the birds are sick or injured, call Denver Animal Protection at 720-913-2080. If they’re causing a disturbance, call the Denver police non-emergency line at 720-913-2000.
“With spring’s arrival in Denver, many people are spending more time outside and may encounter wildlife (of all types),” says Ryann Money, a spokesperson for the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. “Officers encourage Denver residents to avoid the temptation to pet or handle these critters for both human and animal safety.”
If the turkey sightings seem especially prevalent in recent years, it may be because Colorado Parks and Wildlife launched an aggressive reintroduction program in the 1980s, after the turkey population was decimated by poaching and habitat destruction.
Over 35,000 turkeys live in Colorado today. That’s more than the number of turkeys in the entire North American continent during the Great Depression period, according to CPW.
Godspeed, gobblers.
