Lesser Prairie-Chicken May Soon Be Deemed Threatened Species

A species of chicken in Oklahoma may officially be listed as "threatened" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"Threatened" is one level below "endangered," and it could hinder the future of wind energy development.

Wind turbines are often built in the same areas of land where prairie chickens live and reproduce.

The chickens naturally avoid tall structures, further shrinking their available mating grounds.

It will be another year before a decision is made, but a "threatened" listing might increase federal regulations and hurt the wind farm industry.