Pair of Endangered Whooping Cranes Shot: Bird Killed in Louisiana

The Whooping Crane, one of only two crane species found in North America, was declared endangered in 1967. Their population has dwindled from 10,000-plus before the European settlers to a mere 382 today due to habitat destruction and over-hunting.

Wildlife officials are now outraged about the shooting of two cranes in southwestern Louisiana and plan to probe the incident. The United States Fish and Wildlife Services have already offered a $1,000 reward for information regarding the shootings. Over the past two years, there have been six illegal killings of North America's tallest bird. These hunters were fined and sentenced to probation.

After arriving on the scene, Louisiana State Wildlife Officials found the female crane dead while the male crane had suffered severe injuries. The outrage is certainly warranted because these two cranes were released into the wild in 2011 in hopes of mating and building more Whooping Crane habitats. The cranes mate for life and live in the wild for up to 24 years.

In addition, it turns out that the cranes were building practice nests at the time of their shooting. Officials said they had formed a mating bond just last year, but were too young to lay eggs. The wildlife services tightly surveil the cranes before releasing them into the wild because they need to be prepared to avoid further endangerment.

"They were some of our older birds and our best chance for having a more successful nest this year," Robert Love from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries told The Associated Press in this Tech Times article. "It's just sickening."

Preparing cranes before sending them into the wild hasn't been very successful. Ten cranes were released into the wild in 2011 and only one has survived. Currently, 50 cranes are being monitored by state and federal officials through the use of radio transmitters.

Unfortunately, the male crane that was shot sustained severe injuries to one of its wings and it may not be able to fly again, making him unsuitable to live in the wild. Officials will continue to investigate until they find any information regarding the shootings of the endangered species.

To read more about the Whooping Crane, visit this Tech Times article.