Poacher sought after nesting sandhill crane killed in Minnesota

Authorities are searching for the poacher responsible for the death of a nesting sandhill crane in Todd County.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said it received a report of the crane being shot from the roadway northeast of Clarissa.

A conservation officer responded to the scene and confirmed the adult crane and both eggs were casualties of the shooting.

Sandhill cranes are large migratory birds often found in freshwater wetlands.

Adult cranes stand about three to four feet tall with a wingspan that can exceed five feet, according to the National Wildlife Federation .

The species is protected in Minnesota, with a limited hunting season in the fall in the northern region of the state.

The DNR is asking the public for tips regarding the incident in Todd County. Here's how you can submit information:

• Contact Minnesota’s Turn in Poachers hotline (800-652-9093).

• Send an anonymous tip via text message to the DNR. Text the keyword “MNTIP” and your tip to 847411.

• Download Minnesota’s TIP411 app – MNTIP – from the App Store or Google Play. You also can submit anonymous tips through the app.