Wild turkeys are native to North America. Though the first domesticated turkey is dated to sometime around 800 BC in south-central Mexico, wild turkeys roamed the continent long before that.

Stock image of wild turkey (main) and a Thanksgiving turkey (inset). Turkeys may become harder to harvest over time due to their risk-taking behavior.

Wild turkeys have sparked numerous complaints about the aggressive birds. But they are not out to get you: “Approach every interaction with a turkey as if you are the bigger turkey.” ...