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Cranes 379

hatch. Periods of cold temperatures, particularly when prolonged, often prove to be too harsh
for survival. Colts admitted in this situation will be hypothermic, cold to the touch, and have
delayed or minimal response to stimulation. In serious cases, they can be mistaken for being
dead. Young cranes with hypothermia can be revived, even when there is lack of movement,
with application of heat.
The appearance of a crane colt, with the long neck, legs, and soft coloring, is attractive to the
public, and once spotted, they are often victims of kidnapping from the wild. Dogs, cats, and wild
predators are also a threat. The incidence of these kidnappings increases when nest sites border
parks, agricultural, or other recreational areas. Advice given to the public plays an important role
in assuring normal, uninjured youngsters stay in the wild with their parents.
Questions to ask the public when answering calls:

Is the crane standing or lying down?
Is there blood visible?
Is the youngster running and active?
Can the youngster hear an adult crane vocalizing or see an adult in the immediate area?
Is the youngster in immediate danger? (If dogs or children are chasing it, for example, a
chick can be temporarily captured and placed back in the area when the danger is gone.)

Young cranes, although very mobile, can be easily captured. Colts can suffer heat exhaustion,
capture myopathy, or injury when chased. In most cases, parent birds are near. Adults can become
aggressive in defense of their young. Initially, the adult response is to become vocal. The vocaliza-
tions increase in volume and tone to warn the youngster of the approaching danger and “predator”
of the adult presence. The stout and heavy beak of an adult crane can be dangerous.
Parents occasionally abandon newly hatched cranes. This phenomenon may occur if the weather
at hatch is extreme. Siblicide can and does occur with cranes. Although siblicide occurs more often
in captive situations, it also occurs in the wild. Care must be taken when housing even very young
or debilitated cranes together. Colts injured by siblings or other cranes may present with penetrat-
ing injuries to the head and neck (Figure 23.1).

Figure 23.1 Crane colt with a severe scalp injury. Cranes may injure or kill each other in territorial
disputes or siblicide by stabs to the head and neck.