Turkey Anyone?

Did you know that turkeys were once extirpated (gone) in Wisconsin? A combination of overhunting and diseases from domestic birds wiped turkeys out in the state by the late 1800's. In the 1970's, the WI DNR traded Missouri a population of our ruffed grouse for a population of their turkeys. The birds were reintroduced to the area and are now doing better than expected with a population of 300,000 in the state.

Turkeys fatten up on insects, acorns and other nuts, grapes, berries, and tubers. During severe winter weather, they can roost for up to two weeks, sometimes losing up to 40% of their body weight when they do so.

Wild turkeys don't see well at night, so they roost in trees to protect themselves from nocturnal predators. During the day they rely on their speed to protect them. A turkey can run up to 25 mph and fly up to 55 mph!

Did you know about...

Beards: Male turkeys (and a few females) have these bristly masses of feathers hanging near their chests.

Wattles: Both toms and hens have this loose flesh under their chins, but a tom's is more noticeable.

Snoods: On Toms this fleshy growth is prominent and starts out above and then drapes across their bills. How's that for some new vocabulary words?

Learn more: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Masked Bandits Put on Pounds

This adaptable creature has been furiously feeding all fall. At this time of year 50% of its 14-24 pounds may be fat! In cold weather raccoons seek shelter in a tree or cave and sleep for a few days at a time. A mother raccoon's 4 young kits will spend the winter with her. They'll then be kicked out in the spring when mom has her next litter.

These nocturnal animals have great night vision and hearing, as well as very sensitive front paws. Omnivorous raccoons will eat just about anything they can get. If they're very lucky, they may live up to 16 years.

Learn more: Animal Diversity Web