Resident criticizes permit shooting of sandhill crane in Oconomowoc; council says police reviewed the incident

A resident told the City of Oconomowoc common council on Tuesday that a sandhill crane that nests locally was shot under a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permit and urged the city to avoid setting a precedent for removing federally protected birds in residential neighborhoods.

Bobby Hollenbeck said the crane was federally protected in Wisconsin and that people in his neighborhood were upset. “I just think it's a very bad precedent to set,” Hollenbeck said, adding that local wildlife responders such as Wildlife in Need could have been contacted and that nonlethal deterrents — reflective tape, pinwheels, wind chimes — were available.

Hollenbeck said residents were distressed because the crane’s mate remained on eggs and because children and neighbors had witnessed the event. He said he had asked whether nonlethal methods had been tried and had not received satisfactory answers, and he urged the city to avoid repeat actions.

Mayor (presiding) replied that city officials had reviewed the incident and said the police had acted within their authority. “I can tell categorically that our police officers did nothing wrong,” the mayor said. The mayor also said staff would review the case and noted local wildlife organizations had resources to assist in the future.

No council action was taken; staff said they have debriefed and will continue to review the circumstances and the communication protocols for wildlife incidents in residential areas.