Reporting Wildlife Sightings and Trappings in Ohio

[CJD3]

I stopped by the ODNR site recently and was looking over the list of critters the state was asking for sighting reports.

http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/report-wildlife-sightings

The list included the following:

• Wild Turkey
• Badger
• Bald Eagle Nest
• Barn Owl
• Black Bear
• Black-crowned Night Heron
• Bobcat
• Feral Swine
• Fisher
• Gray Fox
• Peregrine Falcon
• Porcupine
• River Otter
• Ruffed Grouse
• Sandhill Crane
• Snowshoe Hare
• Trumpeter Swan
• Weasel

Its a shame to see the Turkey on there. They came on so strong. 25 years ago I would easily see 20-30+ at a time. Now I only see 1-5. (N.E. Ashtabula County)
Eagles and Black Bear have been around for some years now. I see bobcats every few years. Only pigs have been some kids 4H projects gotten loose. Otters, none yet but they are in neighboring areas 10-15 miles east of me. Grouse; almost never now. Snowshoe's have been being re-introduced in south county by the state but I've never seen one (in Ohio).

Is the decline in Turkey a re-set ? Nature balancing out the order of things after an abundance of population with increased predators? It can't all be due to loss of habitat in such a short time. Did the state knock down the population as they have with the White Tail?

What are your thoughts?

 

[cotty16]

Great question. I was wondering the same about Turkey. hard to believe they're asking for sighting reports on them.

 

[OhioWhiteTails]

We don't have too many up my way, but I too am surprised to see it on the list. Seem to see plenty in other areas of the state.

 

[Big_Holla]

Plenty of turkey in Meigs County for us. Sounds like they should be asking who isn't seeing turkey in different areas.

 

[giles]

I used to see turkey all the time here at my house, very rarely see them anymore. Some other animals on that list I feel like I have a better chance of finding Bigfoot!

 

[HE>I]

Very similar observation on turkey population in NW Ashtabula. Used to have multiple flocks, I haven't seen a single turkey while hunting (deer) the past three seasons. Ashtabula county was the top turkey harvest county for many years, that coupled with predators and or habitat - who knows. I was riding my bicycle the other evening and 3-4 poults busted out of the grass next to the road, which was good to see (startled the heck out of me).

 

[Chass]

Very little cover for turkeys up there. Take a walk around the small bit of woods and try and find a good nesting spot for a hen where a clutch of eggs wouldn't be scavenged by a coon/possum within the week. Even in southern Ohio where there is plenty of turkeys and plenty of decent cover for nesting I come across loads of scavenged nests. I'd say it's a result of lack of suitable habitat and decline of trapping/hunting of the animals that prey on the species.

 

[CJD3]

Surprised there aren't more comments as to the list...

 

[Dustinb80]

I saw @Wildlife for a brief moment in Logan county

 

[giles]

Hahahaha, pics or it didn’t happen!

Need to add bigfeets and mountain cougars to the list.

 

[Riverdude]

What about the Honey Badger??

https://video.search.yahoo.com/sear...08a7b3ada727c3d0cfa4e081348c7ea0&action=click

 

[Wildlife]

I saw @Wildlife for a brief moment in Logan county

64 days and there will be a rare appearance happening my friend...