LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Part of the Wilkinson Wildlife Management Area in Platte County has been closed temporarily because three whooping cranes are using the area.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says the cranes have been at the park since March 25, so the eastern third of the park has been closed off.

The commission routinely closes off areas once whooping cranes are found.

The birds’ total wild population of about 300 individuals migrates through Nebraska each fall and spring between wintering sites along the Texas coast and breeding areas in northern Alberta.

They are protected by state and federal endangered species laws. Penalties for killing, possessing or harassing whooping cranes may include fines of up to $50,000, up to a year in jail, or both.