Illinois Wildlife Find More Protection
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM

The National Humane Education Society (NHES)
November 2014

PAWS UP to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn for signing into law an amendment to the Illinois Wildlife Code, adding gray wolves, American black bears, and cougars to the list of protected species.

cougar wildlife protectionCougars, gray wolves, and American black bears are now among the protected species in the Illinois Wildlife Code.

Beginning January 1, 2015, gray wolves, American black bears, and cougars in the state of Illinois will be protected under S.B. 3046, an amendment to the Illinois Wildlife Code.

These new protections will prohibit the killing of these animals unless there is an imminent threat to people or their livestock. If an animal is found to be a nuisance, a permit must first be granted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to kill that particular animal.

Over the past 150 years, gray wolves, black bears, and cougars have nearly disappeared throughout the state of Illinois. With populations slowly on the rise again, the careful management of these species is crucial to their recovery.

Take Action: Illinois residents, send a note of thanks to Gov. Quinn thanking him for his efforts in supporting positive management of protected species in your state.

Office of the Governor
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, 16-100
Chicago, IL 60601
Online contact form including phone numbers and email


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