This decreases wetland stopovers along the whooper's migratory path. As wetlands disappear across America's Central Flyway, protecting whooper habitat for migratory stopovers is increasingly important. The whooping crane's first line of defense is staying out in deep marshes. Many natural predators won't come after a bird that is standing in deep water. But ravens will take whooping crane eggs and chicks, and in the breeding area, wolves will sometimes attack a subadult or juvenile bird.
Bobcats are a big problem for the Kissimmee Prairie flock in Florida.
If a whooper is attacked, it will spread its wings out, walk toward the predator, and try to spear it with its beak. Whoopers will also strike out with their feet, and they have pretty sharp talons. Surprisingly, whoopers have been known to defend themselves effectively against some pretty formidable predators. Their voice sounds like a whoop. The whoop is just one of the whooping crane's 18 calls.