The state Game and Fish Department says a whooping crane was sighted in Emmons County recently, and it's reminding hunters to watch for the endangered birds.

Department biologist Mike Szymanski says one of the whoopers was seen in a field with sandhill cranes. He says the rare birds are making their way through North Dakota on their fall migration route.

Whoopers stand about 5 feet tall with a wingspan of about 7 feet from tip to tip.

Szymanski says people who spot then should not disturb them, but should record the date, time, location, and the birds' activity, and report it to the department or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

- Associated Press