Rhode Island Officials: Report Your Turkey Sightings

Rhode Island's wild turkey population is estimated to be around 3,000 birds

Rhode Island environmental officials are asking for the public's help in tracking the state's wild turkey population.

The Department of Environmental Management has a survey on its website to report sightings of wild turkey hens and young turkeys, known as poults.

DEM says there were 449 brood sightings last year, an above-average year for wild turkeys.

The state's wild turkey population is now estimated at about 3,000 birds.

A wild turkey restoration project began in 1980 with the release of birds in Exeter, Burrillville, Little Compton, West Greenwich, Foster, Scituate and Tiverton.

DEM says information gathered from the public helps determine how many young birds survive after common causes of mortality are accounted for, such as predators, weather and road kill.

The survey can be mailed or emailed to DEM.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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