Gueydan Man is Going to Prison for Killing Whooping Crane
A Louisiana man is headed to prison for killing a Whooping Crane and shooting ducks from a moving vehicle. Lane Thibodeaux of Gueydan is facing 45 days in prison and a $2,500 fine, plus an additional 6 months of jail time if he fails to pay off the fine within the next year.
According to U.S. News and World Report, Mr. Thibodeaux not only killed the crane, but when agents obtained warrants to search his phone - they found some pretty damning pictures and videos of him shooting ducks from the driver's seat of a moving truck. In his defense, Lane said that when he shot the crane with a rifle at a distance, he was actually aiming at a flock of White Ibis. FYI killing either bird is illegal.
Just so you know, the Whooping Crane is protected under the Federal Endangered Species and Migratory Bird Treaty Acts and Louisiana state Law. Furthermore, the respective agencies that enforce those laws are serious about making sure their feathered friends get their shot at resettling and repopulating in the Bayou State. If you see a Whooping Crane, let them know so they can track their migration here. If you see someone harming them, help them apply the whoopin' by calling 800-442-2511.
You should see the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website. It's chock-full of crane videos, blogs about nesting, and updated population numbers. I think they have names for every single bird. They really love the Whooping Crane! Check it out here.