Media highlight UMaine turkey movement study

Phys.org, Knewz and the Bangor Daily News shared a University of Maine study that shows wild turkeys will adjust their movements in inclement winter weather to increase their odds of survival, but their behaviors may change as the climate continues to warm. “Our results emphasize how winter severity is a limiting factor for turkey populations in Maine, but also how turkeys have adapted to survive these harsh conditions. By being flexible about when and where they move, turkeys can conserve energy when weather is bad and take advantage of resources as they become available. As winter’s get shorter and warmer, we could see these pressures lessen, which could be good for turkey populations.” said Matthew Gonnerman, who conducted the research for his Ph.D. in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology at the University of Maine.