Latest news with #IDNR
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bill aimed at helping Illinois farmers control deer populations heads to Pritzker's desk
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Legislation aimed at making it easier for residents to obtain a hunting permit — and to help control the deer population — has passed both the Illinois Senate and House, and is headed towards the governor's desk. Under Senate Bill 710, IDNR would implement new rules for the Deer Removal Permit. Landowners would be allowed to let other individuals 'destroy' deer responsible for damage under a permit given to the landowner. Legislature bumps right up against midnight deadline as they pass $55 billion budget And, landowner deer and turkey permits could be given for free to an Illinois resident that owns at least 40 acres of Illinois land and that wishes to hunt on their own land. Tenant deer and turkey permits could be given for free to Illinois residents that are living on at least 40 acres of commercial agricultural land, wishing to hunt on land they live on. The legislation would also allow for permits to automatically be issued, specifically for those who have effectively reduced the deer population, and other certain conditions. You can read more about those conditions here. Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan said this legislation will help farmers and address costly damage from deer. Prosecutors recommend 12.5 years in prison for ex-Illinois Speaker Michael Madigan 'Illinois farmers know all too well the costly damage nuisance deer can cause to crops and farmland,' Duncan said. 'This legislation will provide farmers with effective tools to help manage deer populations and protect farmland across the state. We thank Sen. Patrick Joyce and Rep. Marcus Evans for championing legislation that provides these practical tools, as well as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources [IDNR] for their efforts.' If Governor JB Pritzker signs Senate Bill 710 into law, it would be effective Jan. 1, 2026. You can read more about the legislation here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
27-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Bald eagle spotted on hangar roof at Chicago Executive Airport
A bald eagle was spotted at Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling, Illinois, on Tuesday morning. Kris Habermelh said the eagle was perched on the edge of a hangar roof at the airport in suburban Wheeling. "Skywatch kept a good eye on our fellow aviator as we departed for the Dawn Patrol," Habermehl said. Is it? Could it be? It is! A Bald Eagle perches on the edge of a hangar roof at Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling. Skywatch kept a good eye on our fellow aviator as we departed for the Dawn Patrol. More on the return to work commute at — Kris Habermehl (@KrisHabermehl) May 27, 2025 According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Bald eagles have recently recovered from endangered species status. The IDNR said bald eagles are commonly spotted in Illinois in the winter. Officials said the bird is a rare summer resident, even though some nest in the state.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Black bear sighting in Illinois, IDNR warns
CHICAGO (WGN) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is warning locals after a confirmed sighting of a black bear in southwestern Illinois. According to IDNR officials, someone first observed the bear on Monday in St. Clair County. An IDNR district wildlife biologist confirmed the sighting on Tuesday, and again on Wednesday and Thursday, still in St. Clair County. 'The bear has had no interaction with humans, though it has damaged some bee hives on private property,' officials stated in a release. Endangered Amur tiger Malena euthanized at Brookfield Zoo Chicago While black bear sightings are rare in Illinois, IDNR officials warn that additional bear sightings could occur in Illinois in the summer due to their population in neighboring states, such as Wisconsin and Missouri. Past black bear sightings in state counties include Jo Daviess, Lake, Saline, Pope, Williamson, and Jackson. To limit human interaction with bears, IDNR reminds locals of the following: Never feed or approach bears. Secure food, garbage, and recycling. Remove or limit use of bird feeders when bears are active. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors. Thoroughly clean and store grills and smokers after each use. Alert neighbors to bear activity. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines IDNR officials add that they will continue monitoring sightings of the black bear. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
IDNR sharing tips during National Safe Boating Week
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Conservation Police shared some boating safety tips on Tuesday. This is part of National Safe Boating Week, which is the week ahead of Memorial Day weekend, according to an IDNR news release. Among the safety tips, IDNR encourages those who go boating to always wear a life jacket and only operate a boat while sober. 'As the boating season approaches, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement, reminds all waterway enthusiasts that safety is a shared responsibility. Every boater plays a vital role in creating a secure and enjoyable environment on the water,' said Office of Law Enforcement Director Jed Whitchurch. 'Understanding and adhering to boating regulations such as navigation rules, safety equipment requirements, designated no-wake zones, and staying informed about weather conditions are essential to ensuring positive experiences for all who enjoy the state's waterways.' According to the Illinois Conservation Police, in 2024, there were 63 reported boating accidents, which led to 32 injuries and 15 deaths in the state The statistics show that most of the crashes involve open motorboats, 'cruising in a careless or reckless manner,' and crashing into other boats. Illinois Conservation Police also strictly enforce laws regarding people operating boats under the influence. In 2024, 84 boaters were arrested for operating boats under the influence. State law also requires that life jackets be worn by each person aboard a watercraft or jet ski. More information about the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is available on its website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Drivers beware! It's turtle crossing season, warns DuPage County forest preserve
DU PAGE COUNTY, Ill. (WGN) — It's been said that slow and steady wins the race, but expect leisurely-moving turtles to become more active in the summer months, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County warns. Officials say turtles are on the move and are prone to more road sightings through October as they search for water, food, and mates. Turtles could cross roadways near lakes, ponds, and marshes, meaning drivers should look for the reptiles. Forest Preserve District ecologist Dan Thompson reminded drivers that despite their hard shells, turtles are no match for moving vehicles. Wheeling native takes command of world's largest aircraft carrier 'Horns and flashing lights have no effect on them,' Thompson said. 'They aren't built for speed or evasive maneuvers, so they simply can't move faster or reverse course to get out of the way.' Officials urged commuters to remain vigilant, adhere to posted speed limits and proper distance between vehicles, and to brake if they see a turtle on the road. 'Even one turtle lost to traffic can have ripple effects on the population,' Thompson said. 'Some females live for decades and lay hundreds of eggs. Losing her means losing generations.' Anyone encountering an injured turtle should call the Forest Preserve District's DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn at (630) 942-6200. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), in 2020, five of the state's 17 turtle species—the alligator snapping turtle, the spotted turtle, Blanding's turtle, the river cooter, and the yellow mud turtle—are considered endangered. The ornate box turtle and the smooth softshell are threatened species with a likelihood of becoming endangered. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
