November 26,2015
Ridgewood NJ, The Division’s Turkey Restoration Project represents one of the greatest wildlife management success stories in the history of the state. By the mid-1800s, turkeys had disappeared in New Jersey due to habitat changes and killing for food. Division biologists, in cooperation with the NJ Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, reintroduced wild turkeys in 1977 with the release of 22 birds. In 1979 biologists and technicians began to live-trap and re-locate birds to establish populations throughout the state. By 1981 the population was able to support a spring hunting season, and in December, 1997, a limited fall season was initiated.
There is now an abundance of wild turkeys throughout the state with turkeys found wherever there is suitable habitat. In South Jersey, where wild turkeys had been struggling just a few years ago, intensive restoration efforts have improved population numbers significantly. The statewide population is now estimated at 20,000 – 23,000 turkeys with an annual harvest of approximately 3,000 birds.
The birds can be pretty aggressive certain times of the year and groups of wild turkeys have been known to wreak havoc on a neighborhood. Do not under estimate their boldness.
Oh yes, there are some wild turkeys running through Ridgewood all right. Their names are Paul, Albert, Gwennie, and Roberta.
Yes, there is a friendly turkey in the North Maple Ave. vicinity. He stops traffic and inspects every car. Kevin sleeps on the rooftop of a blue house around the area.
GOOD ONE
Kevin is a turkey that lives around North Maple Ave. in Ridgewood, n.j.
He stops traffic many times but sleeps on the rooftop of a blue house in the vicinity.
He is much loved and very friendly.
Unfortunately Kevin of N Maple hasn’t been seen since a few days after a concerned “!d!ot” called animal rescue because the turkey was limping. Chances are Kevin is dead. The amount of stupidity in this village is shocking.