Denver’s turkeys are back and they’re looking for love

If you’ve been spotting turkeys all over town lately, you’re not imagining things. I saw one strolling down the shoulder of I-25 last night like it was no big deal. Just a turkey on the freeway. Totally normal.

Wild turkey sightings have been blowing up across the Denver metro since early March, and there’s a good reason. The birds are actually native to Colorado, and after nearly being wiped out by poaching and habitat loss, their numbers have surged thanks to restoration efforts Colorado Parks and Wildlife began in the 1980s. They now call most of the state’s counties home.

So why right now? It’s mating season. Male turkeys, called toms, spend early spring strutting and gobbling to attract groups of hens. Think of it as turkey dating season, and Denver is the hottest scene in town.

A few reminders from wildlife officials:

• Don’t approach, feed or follow them.
• Keep shiny objects and bird feed out of reach.  Both are turkey magnets.
• Observe from a safe distance, for you and for them.

It’s actually a pretty cool conservation success story playing out right in our backyards. So next time one crosses your path, smile, keep your distance and enjoy the show.  You can read more about it at 9news.com