The entire town of Shelton has grown to love our local mascot — the Split Rock wild turkey.
She has gained much attention and concern within the past few months. Local wildlife rehabilitators such as myself, have kept a close eye on her well-being and the strange behavior she exhibits of always appearing solo, rather than with a flock.
(If unfamiliar with the saga of the Split Rock turkey, CLICK HERE for some background from the Shelton Trails & Conservation blog.)
The wild turkey species is, by nature, a flocking and social species. Being such, flocks maintain home ranges and recognize individual animals within each flock. They establish a ‘pecking order’ (like chickens) with dominant and subordinate individuals.
Dominant individuals will peck at or chase subordinates, especially away from food sources.
There could be two possibilities for this lone hen:
- 1) She is a subordinate, and cannot compete in the pecking order of the flock. Therefore she has chosen to leave the flock and to survive on her own.
- 2) She is an old hen that has been barren for a few years, being without poults, she has no incentive to socialize.
Barren hens typically flock with others without broods, whereas hens with young will form their own flock. Wild hen turkeys typically can survive in the wild to 5 or 6 years old.
While there may or may not be a turkey flock nearby, she seemingly prefers to be on her own Bridgeport Avenue adventures causing traffic and being spotted at all the area businesses throughout the day. It was brought to our attention that well-meaning people have actually been causing her dangerous stay; by continuously feeding her. While the intentions are kind, that kindness is inherently hurting her.
When any wild animal is being fed by humans that poses the animal to experience human dependency, lack of proper nutritional value (birds for example are notoriously known to develop a deformity called angel wing from being fed such things as breads and crackers) and in this case feeding wildlife can also pose a dangerous risk to their own physical safety, as well as the public’s safety.
It is a miracle the amount of luck this turkey has had in not being struck by an oncoming car — but that luck may not last.
If we all truly care for our Shelton mascot, let nature provide her the natural foods she forages for and cease the intentional feedings that are keeping her here. It is with great hopes once we all work together that this turkey can then move on, on her own, for her safety, and all drivers of the very busy four way intersection on Bridgeport Avenue.
If anyone comes across injured or orphaned wildlife, please immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or call your local Animal Control Officer, Police Department or DEEP Dispatch (860 – 424-3333) immediately to get assistance.
Never attempt to relocate or treat a wild animal on your own as it poses risk to you and that animal’s well being for survival. In working together, we can all help make a difference. Thank you!
The writer is a Shelton resident and a state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
