Latest news with #IllinoisWildlifeCode
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois deer population control bill passes Senate
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Illinois Senate unanimously passed a bill intended to control deer population by making it easier for residents to obtain hunting permits. Senate Bill 710 loosens regulations under the Illinois Wildlife Code to make it easier for landowners and tenants to obtain deer hunting permits. The bill also allows for the automatic issuance of additional antlerless-only permits for those who show 'effective reduction efforts' and enables owners and resident tenants of at least 40 acres of commercial farmland to receive permits for use on that land. Senator Chapin Rose says this address a matter of not just an economic hit on farmers and the price of goods at the grocery store, but a matter of public safety. 'Vehicular collisions with deer are extremely dangerous and, even if you are lucky enough to escape unscathed, chances are your car won't be as lucky,' said Senator Rose. 'Virtually everyone I know has had a near miss with a deer at some point, and many have had an actual impact. You can't put a price tag on human life or injury, but all of us in Illinois are paying higher health insurance, particularly car insurance, because of the out-of-control deer herd in our state.' Senate Bill 710 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Illinois DNR reminds the public to avoid handling wild animals
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — As the weather grows warmer and people spend more time outside, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to avoid handling wild animals and birds. The IDNR said that while young rabbits, deer and birds appear to need help, usually, human intervention does more harm than good. If humans are nearby, the parents of young animals will stay away. Venomous spiders in Illinois: how to identify them, where to find them 'The most helpful thing people can do for wildlife is to enjoy the animals through observation, not interference,' IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie said. 'If you really care about the animals, just leave them alone when you come across them in nature.' Keeping wild animals as pets is prohibited by the Illinois Wildlife Code. Many wild birds are protected by this code as well. This includes their eggs, nests and feathers. The IDNR said it's important to avoid handling wildlife because it's not only illegal, but it can be dangerous as well. Many species carry diseases which can be passed on to people, some of which are fatal. Venomous snakes in IL: how to identify them, where to find them In Illinois, the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) has spread to wild birds throughout the state. The public is asked not to handle or capture waterfowl, especially those showing signs of illness. 'We understand that the desire to help wildlife is strong, but it often comes at a cost,' IDNR wildlife chief Mike Wefer said. 'Survival rates for relocated wildlife are very low, and the risk of accidentally moving diseases from one place to another is high.' Anyone with further questions about care for potentially abandoned wildlife should talk to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before taking action. To learn more about orphaned animals, potential wildlife conflicts, and keeping people, pets, and wildlife safe, visit Wildlife Illinois. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
IDNR: Leave wild baby animals alone
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) — As the weather warms up, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is reminding you to leave young wildlife alone. In a release, the department said most of the time, people see what appears to be an abandoned rabbit, fawn, bird, or other young animal and want to help it. But human intervention can cause more harm than good, they said. That's because young animals are generally fed by their parents, who will stay away from the den or nest if humans are close by. 'The most helpful thing people can do for wildlife is to enjoy the animals through observation, not interference,' said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. 'If you really care about the animals, just leave them alone when you come across them in nature.' Not only is it not good for the animal, but it is also illegal to keep wildlife that has appeared to be abandoned under the Illinois Wildlife Code. The code extends coverage to most birds, including protection of eggs, nests, and feathers, the release said. Some additional reminders about wildlife in Illinois, according to the release: Birds: Birds often leave the nest before they can fly. Known as fledglings, these birds will live on the ground for a few days while they grow flight feathers, and you may hear them making noises calling for their parents. They do this so their parents will continue to feed them, and it doesn't mean they are in trouble. Keep children and pets away. Deer: A fawn left on its own is not necessarily abandoned. Young fawns don't possess the speed or stamina to flee until they are about 2 weeks old. As a result, their mothers will leave them to lie quietly and motionless in nearby tall grass or brushy cover while they forage. A fawn may truly be orphaned if you notice it in the same spot for two or three days and constantly calling for its mother. At that point, it's time to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to aid the fawn. Rabbits: Rabbits often build their nests in shallow holes or depressions in the ground, and they're frequently found in the middle of lawns and gardens. Mother rabbits commonly return to the nest only at dusk and dawn to feed their young, limiting daytime activity to prevent predators from noticing. Rabbits will begin to leave the nest around three or four weeks of age. Young rabbits outside the nest do not need help, but it's important to keep children or pets away from the nest and venturing babies. For more important information on wildlife, visit Wildlife Illinois. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Is it legal to own a pet raccoon in Missouri or Illinois?
ST. LOUIS – With their mischievous little hands and masked faces, raccoons are quite fascinating mammals to some. Perhaps you've wondered if one might make a good pet. Legally speaking, it's not so simple. Earlier this week, FOX 2 looked closely at Google search trends for 'Missouri' and 'Illinois,' starting with the terms 'Is it legal…' For both states, one of the top five suggested searches was 'Is it legal to own a raccoon as a pet?' Maybe the combination of St. Louis' chilly winter days and raccoons' undeniable charm has sparked curiousity. But before you start to imagine a raccoon as a housemate, there are important legal considerations to keep in mind. Is it legal to own a raccoon as a pet in Missouri or Illinois? Here's what the state's conservation leaders told FOX 2… The Missouri Department of Conservation says, according to the Wildlife Code of Missouri, it is generally illegal to possess native Missouri wildlife as pets, which would include raccoons. Dan Zarlenga, a MDC media specialist in the St. Louis region, also shared this statement: 'Beyond any legal concerns, wild animals like raccoons do not make good pets. While cute and cuddly when young, these animals can grow up to be more aggressive and destructive. As the saying goes, 'You can take the animal out of the wild, but you can't take the wild out of the animal.' They can also transmit disease to domestic pets. Humans rarely possess the skills to properly raise wildlife and provide for their dietary needs. And if released back into the wild from captivity, these animals will not have acquired the skills they need to survive after being dependent on humans.' According to Zarlenga, in rare cases, special permits can be granted to wildlife rehabilitators for holding raccoons or other animals with the intent to treat and release injured and sick animals. This involves a meticulous permit process and annual inspections to ensure that proper care standards are met. The experience doesn't really entail having a raccoon as a pet as much as caring for a wild animal with the long-term goal of returning it healthy to its natural habitat. Short answer: Is it legal to own a raccoon as a pet in Missouri? No. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says, according to the Illinois Wildlife Code, it is unlawful to possess any species of wildlife or wildlife parts taken unlawfully in Illinois, which would include raccoons. A spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources directed FOX 2 to the state's online webpage with guidance for raccoons, which states the following: 'Raccoons do not generally pose a public health risk. However, they can be carriers of rabies, a disease that is fatal to humans if not treated quickly. Therefore, care should be taken not to come into contact with raccoons.' The webpage further indicates that raccoons 'may also be carriers of canine distemper and parvovirus, which can infect domestic cats and dogs,' and 'infected by several kinds of parasite… infectious to humans.' The state adds that removing a raccoon from its habitat should be a 'last resort' and only if its causing property damage, not for personal reasons. Illinois classifies raccoons as 'furbearers,' meaning you can legally only remove one yourself with a permit from an Illinois DNR Wildlife Biologist. It's otherwise recommended to hire a state-supported nuisance wildlife control operator to remove a raccoon with the intention of returning it safely back into the wild. Short answer: Is it legal to own a raccoon as a pet in Illinois? No. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
