Just your typical Sunday afternoon in downtown Branford. Folks out enjoying a stroll, kids eating ice cream on Main Street, and a wild turkey trotting toward the .
Wild turkeys on Main Street?! Sure enough, this guy was spotted strolling down the street as if he didn't have a care in the world. According to the State of Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the breeding season starts in late March and early April when toms begin gobbling and displaying for the hens. Although it is somewhat rare to see a wild turkey in places such as a busy town center, sightings in more populated areas are not unheard of. In fact, sightings are on the increase as efforts to repopulate the state with wild turkeys continue, according to the DEEP.
They are able to survive mostly because few predators are able to catch an adult wild turkey. The turkey has a well-developed instinct for survival as well as excellent eyesight and hearing to help keep it out of harm’s way. In fact, it seems that the only threat to these birds, other than coyotes, are cars. Fortunately, this guy was smart enough to use the town crosswalks, and Branford drivers, as courteous as ever, allowed him to cross safely.
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