$7500 Reward for Information on Crane Killer

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LADWF) needs your help finding a killer.  According to US News and World Report, authorities have been searching for the person or persons responsible for the untimely death a prime specimen of the most endangered cranes in the world - the Whooping Crane.

The grisly scene was discovered by LADWF agents early in November of last year.  A male Whooping Crane had been discovered with a gunshot wound to the wing, and unfortunately had to be euthanized.   The species is so endangered, even the loss of one bird could be devastating to the population.  Since 2011, the Bayou State has released 147 whooping cranes in order to reintroduce them to the area. The population is currently estimated at 76.   The current North American population stands at approximately 670.

If you have any information, please call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-442-2511.  You can also report what you know through the LADWF Tips app, or text LADWF at TIP411.  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information that leads to arrest and conviction of whoever killed the whooping crane.