Turkeys, both wild and domestic, are prey animals, making them a food source for a wide array of creatures. This constant pressure from predators has shaped their wary and cautious nature.
Mammalian Predators of Turkeys
Mammalian predators pose a significant threat to turkeys, targeting them across various life stages, from eggs to adults. Coyotes are ambush predators that utilize their keen sense of smell to detect and pursue turkeys. Emerging research suggests turkeys may be a more common part of their diet than previously understood. These adaptable canids will prey on both young poults and mature birds.
Foxes, including both red and gray species, also attack turkeys. Gray foxes possess the ability to climb, allowing them to access prey in locations that red foxes cannot. Bobcats are sit-and-pounce hunters. Bobcats often target the skull, throat, or neck of their prey and may leave claw marks on larger carcasses. Studies indicate that bobcats can be particularly effective predators of adult turkeys.
Raccoons are major predators of turkey nests, employing their acute sense of smell to locate eggs. They are nocturnal foragers. Raccoons typically consume the contents of eggs by opening one end without crushing the shell, and they also prey on young poults.
Opossums are primarily known for eating turkey eggs but will also kill young poults. Skunks are opportunistic predators that consume both turkey eggs and young birds. They frequently target the head and neck of a bird and are particularly drawn to entrails and blood. Like raccoons and opossums, skunks are nocturnal and are known to invade nests, rolling eggs to crack them before consuming the contents. Other mammalian threats include weasels and mink, which prey on eggs and poults.
Avian Predators of Turkeys
Birds of prey also contribute to turkey mortality, with some species capable of taking down adult birds. Great horned owls are notable predators of wild turkeys. These owls frequently attack turkeys at their roost sites during the night, capitalizing on the turkeys’ poor night vision. Great horned owls are efficient hunters that can successfully prey on both adult toms and hens, often removing the bird’s head and consuming breast and leg meat.
Golden eagles are powerful raptors that hunt from great heights. They are capable of preying on adult turkeys, particularly in open landscapes. While more prevalent in western turkey ranges, golden eagles can also pose a threat during their migratory periods in eastern regions.
Various hawk species, such as red-tailed hawks, Cooper’s hawks, and sharp-shinned hawks, also prey on turkeys. Larger hawk species like the red-tailed hawk have the capability to take down adult turkeys, though this is not a common occurrence. Hawks are more frequently observed preying on vulnerable young poults. Opportunistic avian predators like crows and jays primarily target turkey eggs and very young poults.
Other Predators of Turkeys
Beyond mammals and birds, other types of animals pose a threat to turkeys, predominantly targeting their most vulnerable life stages. Snakes, for example, are generally limited to preying on turkey eggs and very young poults due to their size constraints. Various snake species, including the yellow rat snake, are known to consume turkey eggs. These reptiles can locate nests and steal eggs, feeding both during the day and at night.
Feral hogs can also be significant predators of turkey nests. They are known to consume turkey eggs, embryos, and newly hatched poults. Additionally, seemingly small threats like fire ants can devastate a turkey nest. These aggressive insects are capable of killing and consuming an entire clutch of eggs, especially at the point when they are hatching.