If you see a whooping crane...

Anyone who encounters a whooping crane should contact their local WI DNR office to report their observations. Probable sightings or known observations are recorded by staff (who verify the info) on a form linked to the monitoring database maintained by WI DNR. Please provide date, time, exact location, bird behavior, description and a photo if available.

You should also fill out the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership Whooping Crane Observation Form (exit DNR).

When lucky enough to see whooping cranes, please do not approach them closely, even in a vehicle, to avoid habituating the birds to human presence. Habituation is one of the greatest dangers that whooping cranes face, because it puts them at greater risks from vehicle collisions, predations, and illegal shooting.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources led development and adoption of a whooping crane management plan in December 2006. WCEP partners hope this plan will serve as a template for management plans in other eastern states and provinces. This Plan will be a useful tool for DNR and others to keep abreast of issues related to habitat quality and management, monitoring and bird management, population goals, landowner needs, conservation, ecotourism and education. It is intended as a comprehensive guidance document.