Wild Turkey Adopted by Grandville Residents Is Now Safe
A wild turkey has been hanging around the streets of Grandville. It was spotted walking into traffic near RiverTown Crossings and captured by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Wild Turkeys Sometimes Settle Down in the City
Michigan's DNR began reintroducing wild turkeys in the 1950s in Allegan County to see if the birds would make it and spread to other counties. It wasn't until they reintroduced wild turkeys in several southern Michigan counties before the birds began to thrive. Now all 83 Michigan counties have thriving flocks.
Many turkeys wind up in Michigan cities because the urban/suburban landscape offers abundant food (bird feeders, gardens, waste), safety from natural predators, and suitable roosting spots (large trees). The only problem with this is the birds get used to people and the environment and don't realize the danger of walking across a busy street.
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A Wild Turkey That Made Grandville Home is Safely Captured
My car was in the shop yesterday not far from RiverTown Crossings and after I picked it up, I stopped by a store to pick up a Christmas gift. When I was going back to work I spotted a wild hen turkey walking through traffic. I had no idea it was a local celebrity.
The bird was moving slowly almost as if something was wrong, it was old, or just being careful to not get hit by a passing vehicle, but it was in no hurry to cross the road and seemingly unbothered by the traffic.
The turkey was given the name Ivana by locals seeing how it is often spotted by Ivanrest and 44th St. According to the West Michigan Wildlife Center, Ivana averages about 10-20 calls a day to authorities from people worried it may get hit by a vehicle.
The Grandville Police Department reached out to the DNR who safely captured Ivana and later released her back into the wild away from the city for her safety.
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Gallery Credit: Todd Fooks
