Range of Wild Turkeys
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The wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is native to North America and is found primarily in forests and grasslands. Its range extends from southern Canada through the United States and into parts of Mexico. Historically, wild turkeys were found in all forested regions of North America, but their populations declined drastically due to hunting and habitat destruction in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Conservation efforts, including reintroduction programs and habitat restoration, have helped restore wild turkey populations in many areas. Today, wild turkeys can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and swamps, where they feed on a diet of seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects.
The map below shows the range of wild turkey.
Estimating the exact number of wild turkeys in each state or province is challenging due to various factors such as habitat suitability, hunting pressure, and population dynamics. However, based on general trends and estimates, here are some states, provinces, and regions in the United States, Canada, and Mexico known for their significant wild turkey populations:
United States
| Rank | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 600,000 |
| 2 | Georgia | 400,000 |
| 3 | Alabama | 400,000 |
| 4 | Missouri | 300,000 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 200,000 |
Canada
| Rank | Country | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ontario | 100,000 |
| 2 | Quebec | 100,000 |
| 3 | Manitoba | 20,000 |
| 4 | New Brunswick | 15,000 |
| 5 | Nova Scotia | 5,000 |
Mexico:
Turkey populations in Mexico are distributed across various states, including Chihuahua, Sonora, Durango, Zacatecas, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Veracruz.
