Wild turkeys are what biologists call an indicator species — meaning its presence in a location is indicative of a healthy ecosystem for all other species, including humans. The turkey is also a significant figure to Native cultures, both spiritually and practically. In the early 1900s, commercial hunting left the wild turkey population decimated, and it faced extinction. Hunters were the first to notice the trouble, and in the mid-1900s, efforts began to rescue and conserve them — a movement that changed the course of history for a bird that often roams our streets and neighborhoods.

From East Nashville to Natchez Trace, and from Radnor Lake to Hermitage, residents often have run-ins with the weird, wonderful, wild turkey. But its significance to this country and our environment cannot be understated — and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says it needs our help to keep it thriving.

This episode was produced by Leslie Eiler Thompson.

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