Bitter winter has driven thousands of Canada Geese from the state

(Bismarck, ND) -- There are tens of thousands of less Canada geese in North Dakota, according to a recent survey.  

The Game and Fish Department released their annual midwinter waterfowl survey earlier this month showing about 81-thousand Canada geese. That's down from roughly 165-thousand last year.  

Experts say the bitter cold weather and heavy snowfall this season compared to last has driven many birds south.