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14 more whooping cranes to join flock in Louisiana

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says 14 young whooping cranes are expected to arrive soon in southwest Louisiana.

That will double the number in a flock being reintroduced near the area where the state's last wild flock once lived.

Twenty-six whoopers have been brought to Louisiana, but predators and disease killed nearly half of them.

Biologists say deaths are expected, since the birds must learn to live in the wild. But teenage hunters killed two. The department is working to teach people why the birds need protection.

Those still alive include two from the first 10, brought to the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area near Gueydan in February 2011. Another 16 arrived later.

State biologist Carrie Salyers says the next 14 are tentatively scheduled to arrive Nov. 28.

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