Wild turkeys in the Bay Area

Last Updated On Nov. 13, 2023

A group of wild turkeys causes a scene at a local parking lot. Photo courtesy of SF Chronicle.

If you live in the Bay, chances are you've seen more than a few wild turkeys strutting around your neighborhood or your local hiking trails. But where did they come from? It turns out they're not native to California. They were introduced by the California Fish and Game Commission between 1959 and 1999 as a money maker through recreational hunting licenses. The turkeys were relocated from places like Texas, Colorado and Nevada, and then released into the California wilderness. Locally, the turkey population has thrived, and the Bay Area seems to provide them with just what they need to live well. In the spirit of the season, we take a moment to shout out to these beautiful creatures.

turkeys in lafayette Wild turkeys roam in Lafayette. Photo courtesy of SFGate.

It is said that millions of turkeys roamed the United States, Canada and Mexico when European colonists arrived, but turkey habitat disappeared as land was cleared for development. The birds got their second chance when the effort to restore natural spaces while also preserving the hobby of sport hunting became an overzealous endeavor, and turkeys were introduced in places where populations exploded. Ancestors of those birds released in California were smart and hardy which makes up the perfect combination to thrive in our states conditions.

Part of the reason they can easily acclimate here is their curious appetite. As omnivores, wild turkeys have options for finding their next meal. Seeds, berries, roots, insects and even small reptiles and amphibians are all fair game.

And unlike their domesticated cousins, wild turkeys are capable flyers so they move easily through our open spaces. You’ll often see them cruising low through the wooded canopy or up to a comfy perch to settle in for a night’s snooze.

wc1 Turkeys foraging for goodies in Walnut Creek. Photo courtesy of BARTable.

As turkeys seem to prefer living in oak woodlands, it makes the Bay Area their perfect home (think Berkeley, Oakland, Walnut Creek and even areas in San Francisco). Add that to having no fear of humans (take our advice and keep your distance during mating season), these neighbors are here to stay.

While traveling on BART, particularly in the East Bay, keep your eyes open for these wild creatures.

Five fun take-away facts about California wild turkeys

They were a species introduced from Texas, Nevada and Colorado.
They have expanded their territory to more than a quarter of the state of California.
As omnivores, they have a wide-ranging appetite.
They can be quite aggressive towards humans, especially during the spring mating season.
And they can fly short distances.

Do the turkey trot.

Where have you seen turkeys in the Bay Area? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and have fun around the Bay.