VELVA, ND ( KXNET ) — We all want to help animals that are in need, but for one man in Velva, resources weren’t so easy to find.

JD Larson, from Velva, found a Northern Harrier in his garden Tuesday evening. The bird, which has been federally protected since 1918, was notably in distress when JD found it.

Despite reaching out to several organizations such as the state Game and Fish Department, as well as both the Minot and Bismarck zoos, Larson was unable to get any help, due to the bird’s federal protection status, leaving him frustrated with the lack of resources available.

“Our family had observed for a day and a half pretty much this bird this beautiful creature continually deteriorating in spite of our efforts to contact several folks in the state and nationally,” said Larson.

Unfortunately, the harrier did pass away, since no one was able to come out and help.

As of this year, there are only three federal Fish and Wildlife Officers in North Dakota that can deal with federally protected animals — other states across America have even fewer officers or none at all.

This resource shortage could get even worse as there is a hiring freeze on federal Fish and Wildlife Officers beginning in 2025. However, Larson hopes that there will be serious action taken for how these resources are used.

“If the creature is so important to be federally protected, then I think we have a responsibility to make sure we have resources — financial and people — in place to properly attend to that and to be accessible to people like myself who go through life and are presented with a situation like this,” said Larson.

If you or someone you know encounters an animal you believe to be federally protected and needs help call 911 and they can notify a Federal Fish and Wildlife Officer to assist.

Thanks for signing up!

Watch for us in your inbox.

Subscribe Now

Today's Top Stories

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KX NEWS.