For Release: June 4, 1997

Contact: Brian Tefft 277-1267 or 789-0281

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The RI Department of Environmental Management is asking Rhode Islanders to assist its Division of Fish and Wildlife's wild turkey project by reporting any sightings of wild turkey hens with broods of young turkeys, or poults. DEM biologists need the information to evaluate this year's reproduction of wild turkeys, the survival of the poults, and the population of the State's wild turkey flock.

Last year, 33 turkey brood sightings were reported, according to Brian Tefft, principal wildlife biologist at DEM and head of the wild turkey project. "The information helped us determine the number of young birds that survived after various mortality factors such as predators, poor weather, road kills, or domestic cats and dogs took their toll," Tefft said.

He estimates the overall statewide turkey population at 3000 birds, and growing. "We're striving to establish wild turkey populations in all suitable habitats around the state, and in the past four years have established new flocks in Burrillville, Little Compton, West Greenwich, Foster, Scituate, and Tiverton." Tefft added. The birds were abundant prior to the 1700s but were lost due to habitat destruction by pioneers and subsistence living.

Anyone sighting a brood should record the date, the location, and the number of adult hens and poults seen. Send the information to Brian Tefft, Wild Turkey Project, PO Box 218, West Kingston, RI 02892, or call him at 789-0281 or 277-1267.