Canada: Turkeys are coming to Nova Scotia, whether we want them or not

Published Nov 29, 2024

Tridge summary

Wild turkeys are expanding their range into Nova Scotia from New Brunswick, driven by climate change and milder winter conditions. This expansion has been observed in southern New Brunswick and is expected to extend into Nova Scotia, prompted by a 2001 proposal to introduce them that was ultimately denied due to concerns about crop damage and competition with native species. Despite these concerns, a study suggests that wild turkeys are less likely to compete with grouse than previously thought and could bring benefits like controlling tick populations. Their arrival could also potentially lead to a spring turkey hunting season, as seen in New Brunswick, offering a new culinary and recreational opportunity.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Turkeys are coming. They crossed the American border shortly after being introduced into northern Maine two decades ago and have been trotting and gobbling their way through southern New Brunswick ever since. Wild turkeys are a common sight now in parts of Westmorland County and there have been sightings of them at Point de Bute, which looks over the Missaguash River on the Tantramar Marsh that serves as the Nova Scotia border. “Oh yeah, they’re coming to Nova Scotia. I don’t know when, but that strip of forest (on a rise along the Tantramar Marsh) is not a barrier to movement for them,” said Graham Forbes, a professor at the University of New Brunswick who has been studying their expansion in that province. “The winters there are relatively mild. It’s just a question of time.” Pardoning the pun, turkeys have long been a hot topic in Nova Scotia. In 2001 this province’s chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation submitted a proposal to introduce them here. The parent ...

Source: Saltwire