DENVER — There's a new resident in Denver’s Bible Park neighborhood—and she’s bringing the community together in an unexpected way.
Since May, a lone turkey, now affectionately known as Henrietta, has been roaming the streets and green spaces of the neighborhood, leaving neighbors both curious and protective of their new neighbor.
"I first saw her heading west on Yale on the sidewalk, and I thought, ‘That’s a turkey. There’s a turkey walking on the street,’” said Kate Lauer, a local resident. "It was the most bizarre thing. I assumed it was somebody’s pet that had gotten out."
Lauer, like others, initially expected Henrietta’s visit to be brief. After contacting Animal Control, she received an automated response explaining that they do not respond to wildlife calls. Henrietta, however, stuck around, making Bible Park her home over the summer months.
"There are picnics, barbecues, and festivals all summer long in Bible Park, and she just kind of wanders around," Lauer said.
Over time, Henrietta became a familiar and welcome sight. Neighbors even gave her a name—Henrietta, for the hen she is—and dubbed her the neighborhood mascot.
Henrietta's origins remain a mystery to residents. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) explained that wild turkeys are common in Colorado’s foothills, so it’s not entirely surprising that one wandered into the metro area. But to the people in Bible Park, it’s an anomaly.
"She’s the only one. It wouldn’t be as weird if there were six turkeys in the park," Lauer noted.
According to CPW, Henrietta likely found a good food source in the area, which is why she stayed. She can often be spotted picking at berries and insects around Bible Park, seemingly indifferent to the attention she attracts. Passersby frequently stop for pictures, others who are used to her by now give her a casual smile or wave.
Henrietta's calm demeanor is part of her charm. She remains unbothered by people and dogs passing inches away from her. But there’s another side to her urban adventure. Henrietta has been spotted crossing Yale Street—a busy road, even during rush hour. Several residents have reported near misses, either seeing her almost get hit or narrowly avoiding her themselves.
"I’m so concerned she’s going to get hit by a car one of these days," Lauer said. "So far, cars have seen her—they stop, go around her—but it’s nerve-wracking."
In response, some neighbors have taken matters into their own hands. Lauer’s stepfather, John Tope, is one of several residents who act as makeshift crossing guards for Henrietta, ensuring she gets across safely.
“It’s like a neighborhood watch for turkeys,” Tope joked, hoping she doesn’t end up as Thanksgiving dinner.”
While many in the community have grown attached to Henrietta, there’s concern for her safety as winter approaches. Lauer is hopeful that a suitable habitat can be found or that she might be relocated.
"It would be really sad to lose her, but I’d rather we lose her to a place where she’s safe than lose her to a car accident," she said.
CPW confirmed that turkeys are abundant in Colorado, with an estimated population of more than 35,000 across the state. While turkeys have summer and winter ranges, Henrietta might move when the weather turns colder.
They advised the community to leave the turkey alone and cautioned against feeding her, as it could harm her digestive system.
CPW added, "It sounds like the neighborhood is already doing everything it can to keep the bird safe from cars."
Henrietta has done more than just navigate traffic and peck at berries—she’s sparked conversations between neighbors.
“You start talking to people you probably wouldn’t have talked to just walking by in the park, and you bond over the turkey… It’s nice,” Tope said.
In an unexpected way, Henrietta has done more than gobble up attention—she’s become a bridge between neighbors, sparking connections that wouldn’t have happened without her.