In a rare occurrence, endangered whooping cranes are currently migrating through Oklahoma as part of their 2,500-mile journey from Canada to Texas.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is urging residents to report sightings of these majestic birds, which are the tallest in North America, standing nearly 5 feet tall.
The cranes are known for their distinctive white bodies, black wingtips, and red crowns.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the cranes are most often seen east of Guymon and west of Interstate 35, with regular stopovers at locations like the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge near Jet.
Last winter, eight cranes stayed at Salt Plains instead of continuing south, marking a first for Oklahoma.
The Journal Record reports that if a whooping crane is spotted on a wildlife management area during certain hunting seasons, the area may be temporarily closed to protect the birds.
The public is encouraged to report sightings and share photographs at wildlifedepartment.com to aid in the conservation efforts.