Snow Geese Make Return to Squaw Creek
(AP) -- More than a million snow geese have been counted at a northwest Missouri refuge in an annual spectacle that pumps much-needed revenue into the area's economy.
The Kansas City Star reports this year's gathering got off to a slow start because of frozen wetlands at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge 90 miles north of Kansas City.
Wildlife biologist Darrin Welchert says he counted only two geese at the refuge on March 5, but two days later - after the weather turned warmer - that number rose to 750,000 and later hit 1.2 million.
A 2013 Fish and Wildlife Service report estimates nearly 300,000 tourists come to the refuge each year to see the geese, adding about $2.6 million to the economies of Holt County and nearby Buchanan County.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Council hears report from golf course
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Richardson County accepted into managed call handling program
LATEST STORIES
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
NPPD urges farmers to be safe around power lines
Arbor Day proclaimed in Atchison
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Doniphan Co Commission approves overlay projects
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Holton property search concludes with arrest