Wildlife authorities seeking Sandhill crane reported shot by arrow in Twin Lakes area
TWIN LAKES — Authorities and local wildlife rehabilitation experts continued their search for a Sandhill crane that was reported shot by an arrow earlier this week. A Sandhill crane was reported shot by an arrow in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, causing it to fly and walk. Wildlife rehabilitation officials and Twin Lakes police are investigating the incident. The bird is still flighted and has a mate, but law enforcement has not been able to contain it. If you see the bird, contact the Mortals Wildlife Hospital in Lake Geneva, which advises not to remove the arrow, which could cause internal damage to the bird. Sandhill cranes are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which prohibits capture, killing or possession without a federal permit. In Wisconsin, only permits can be taken with a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Published : 2 months ago by TERRY FLORES [email protected], terry flores in Science
TWIN LAKES — Authorities and local wildlife rehabilitation experts continued their search for a Sandhill crane that was reported shot by an arrow earlier this week.
"We are aware of the Sandhill crane in the Twin Lakes area that has an arrow through its body," according to rehabilitation officials at fellow Mortals Wildlife Hospital in Lake Geneva in announcement on its social media. "Law enforcement did attempt to contain the bird but it flies quite a distance and is walking. It also has a mate. We do not recommend chasing the bird as it will be futile as long as the bird is still flighted and would stress both birds."
Twin Lakes Police Department authorities said they have received several reports of the injured bird over the last week. Police said while they appreciate the calls for concern and updates regarding crane's status, they asked that the public refrain from calling them on the matter.
Instead, rehabilitators are recommending individuals who observe the bird and if the crane is "close enough to be covered with something" to contact the wildlife hospital by leaving a message at 262-248-5055. They cautioned not to remove the arrow.
"This would be painful and could cause internal damage to the bird," according to the post.
Anyone with information on who shot the bird should contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Violation hotline at (800) 847-9367.
Sandhill cranes are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which strictly prohibits the capture, killing or possession without a federal permit, according to state and federal wildlife authorities. In Wisconsin, Sandhill cranes may only be taken with a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and only after a combination of non-lethal methods have been attempted. Officials said the cranes have been known to cause crop damage during the early spring months when their mating season occurs.
Topics: Wildlife