Of the less-than-500 surviving whooping cranes in the United States, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to watch out for at least four that are currently visiting southwestern Minnesota. These rare birds are on a temporary stopover during their fall journey to Texas.

John Schladweiler, DNR Eco Resources regional manager at New Ulm, said the presence of these birds in Minnesota at this time of year is both exciting and concerning.

“These rare cranes are likely to be here during at least part of the Minnesota waterfowl season,” Schladweiler said. “We encourage hunters to keep in mind that these birds are around and to be careful not to mistake them for geese.”

Whooping cranes are large birds that weigh between 14 and 17 pounds and have a wingspan of 7-8 feet. With the exception of black wing tips and a black “mustache,” the body plumage is pure white. The bird’s crown is covered with black, hair-like feathers. The long, pointed bill is yellowish.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, the U.S. whooping crane population was on the brink of extinction, their numbers having dwindled to about 30 birds. The crane has had a long, grueling road to a hopeful recovery, yet its future is still very perilous.

For additional information on whooping cranes and the story of the efforts that have been made to keep them from becoming extinct, visit www.savingcranes.org.