Colorado Parks and Wildlife understands do-gooders want to help wild animals in distress, but they should leave it to the professionals.
Wild turkeys typically make appearances from mid-March to the end of May in Greeley, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer Jackson Davis. The animals, who in the past have mostly hung around Glenmere and Sanborn parks, have expanded — and will continue to expand — across Greeley during this time of year due to development along their habitats like the Poudre River and the riparian corridor.
“We’re kicking them out of their habitat, and this is the only place they can go,” Davis said.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife office sees heightened concerns about the well-being of these visible turkeys. Davis urges people to direct all questions and concerns to the wildlife experts, yet many decide to take matters into their own hands.
Recently, residents, under the impression that a turkey in northwestern Greeley fell ill, jumped into action. Instead of calling professionals to assess the turkey, they took the wild animal home, which violates Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations.
A group of people this season also attempted to capture another turkey missing a foot near Glenmere Park. Despite walking with a limp, Davis assures the turkey does not need aid. In fact, the turkey has consistently evaded being caught by outrunning and flying away from people.
Risky business: Turkey interactions
The department advises against approaching, chasing, picking up or taking home a turkey — even if injury or illness is suspected.
Attempting to get hold of a turkey can cause injuries to people or further hurt the animal. In some cases, chasing a bird could lead to traffic crashes, especially in areas where they reside near busy streets.
Disturbing or pursuing the wildlife during the springtime — breeding season — also increases the chance of conflict. Male turkeys, known as toms, can become protective and aggressive during encounters with people or if they see their reflection.
Although turkeys often choose flight over fight, the animal can chase, peck or flap their wings at people if threatened or to assert dominance.
“My experience with the birds is that they generally don’t want to be bothered,” Davis said. “They can hurt folks, but they’d prefer to get away if they can, because that’s a better survival strategy than fighting for them.”
How to help
As the only officer who covers central Weld County, Davis wants to ensure a rational response to reported concerns so he can effectively capture animals that need help versus the ones that should be left alone. So, for those who want to lend a hand with turkey troubles and keep an eye on local wildlife, Davis recommends “repetitive observation,” observing the patterns and behaviors of turkeys over time and from a distance.
Turkeys will stay in an open-air, visible place for long periods. Instead of jumping to assumptions, know and observe the differences between a turkey hanging out and being territorial, compared to a potentially sick or injured turkey. An unwell turkey could refuse to move from one spot or lie down for a day or longer.
Other noticeable injuries include broken wings, which hang low and drag on the ground. Bird flu signs, which Davis hasn’t seen in turkeys, would present as neurological symptoms like shaking its head side-to-side, not appearing stable or not recognizing that a person is near them.
“That’s usually a pretty good sign of a very sick bird is that you can just walk up to them,” Davis said.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife requests that the community follow their guidance for all types of wildlife, including fawns at risk of being separated from their mothers.
To report concerns about wildlife welfare, call the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office at 970-472-4300.
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