North Dakota may have lost one of its native and most regal game birds.

For the first time in the history of North Dakota's Game and Fish's annual spring survey at the Greater Sage Grouse lek sites in extreme southwest North Dakota, they did not count any male sage grouse.

In case you are unfamiliar with what a Greater Sage Grouse looks like, here's a picture of a couple of males.

RONSAN4D
RONSAN4D
loading...

As you can see, they are very striking birds, and one of just a handful of native upland game birds in the state.

A member of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department confirmed to me that they did not count any male sage grouse during the annual spring surveys at their leks (breeding grounds).

North Dakota Game & Fish Dept.
North Dakota Game & Fish Dept.
loading...

The range of the Greater Sage Grouse was never widespread across North Dakota.

As you can see by the map above, the Greater Sage Grouse was rather limited in their range across North Dakota. They were found in extreme western Bowman, Slope, and a small portion of Golden Valley Counties.

Before we get into what has caused these striking game birds to disappear in North Dakota, let's take a look at the most striking waterfowl you are likely to encounter in the state.

Top 11 Most Stunning Waterfowl in North Dakota

What has caused the decline in the Greater Sage Grouse in North Dakota?

Plain and simple, the number one reason is a loss of native habitat in this part of the state.

This is attributed to agriculture, energy development, and the spread of invasive species like cheatgrass. Even the West Nile virus has been documented as a contributing factor, according to Outdoor Life.

Is there any hope that the Greater Sage Grouse could ever make a comeback in North Dakota?

Efforts have been made in the past to bolster the Sage Grouse population in the state by stocking birds from Wyoming.

North Dakota Game and Fish officials say there is always the possibility that Sage Grouse could move back in from neighboring states, but with the loss of native habitat, it's unlikely.

Hopefully, there is a plan in place to reintroduce this magnificent game bird to the state, and hopefully, it will thrive again.

It all starts with habitat, build it and they will come.

WOW: 19 Exotic-Looking Animals Surprisingly Found in America

While some are native and others arrived by accident, there are animals living quite happily in the U.S. that will make you say, “No way!” From seriously big cats to the pinkest bird you’ve ever seen, here are some of the most exotic creatures calling America home.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz

4 Types Of Tree Squirrels We Have In North Dakota

 

 

More From US 103-3