Story perspectives

Utah's Wild Turkey Revival: From Extinction to 30,000 Birds

11/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

Utah has over 30,000 wild turkeys, reintroduced after disappearing for more than a century.
Biologists released Merriam’s wild turkeys in the 1950s, establishing statewide populations.
The Rio Grande and Merriam’s subspecies hybridize in some areas, and populations have fluctuated due to drought and severe winter conditions.
In New Hampshire, wild turkeys were reintroduced from West Virginia and New York, growing to about 40,000 birds through careful management.

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Story summary

Utah has over 30,000 wild turkeys, reintroduced after disappearing for more than a century.
Biologists released Merriam’s wild turkeys in the 1950s, establishing statewide populations.
The Rio Grande and Merriam’s subspecies hybridize in some areas, and populations have fluctuated due to drought and severe winter conditions.
In New Hampshire, wild turkeys were reintroduced from West Virginia and New York, growing to about 40,000 birds through careful management.