Migrating geese still frozen out of Montana’s Freezeout Lake

NewImageBecause global warming causes longer, harder freezes and more ice. Uh-huh. 

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Thousands of geese migrating north are finding that one of their favorite stopovers in Montana is still iced over.

The Great Falls Tribune reported that Freezout Lake in central Montana is still 99 percent covered with ice and has only a few patches of open water.

On Friday, approximately 20,000 snow and Ross’ geese and as many as 700 swans were in the area.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks area manager Mark Schlepp said the birds are doing fine, but they’re not concentrated at the lake.

Instead, they’ve adapted by lingering in nearby grain fields and using water from snowmelt.

The winged spectacle at Freezeout Lake is one of central Montana’s top wildlife attractions each spring.