IDNR encourages people to learn about how to live with wildlife in Illinois

Human-wildlife interaction increases in spring and summer

[April 08, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- Spring and summer in Illinois bring a variety of interactions between humans and wildlife -- and occasional conflicts. That's why the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the University of Illinois Extension Service to create and maintain the Living with Wildlife in Illinois website. The website is a helpful resource for Illinoisans who want to learn more about how to coexist with the wildlife of the state.

"Being close to nature is an amazing experience that everyone should enjoy, whether at a state park or in your own backyard. When those encounters become too close, we have an online resource accessible anytime to get important information. I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and see what the Living with Wildlife in Illinois website has to offer," said IDNR Director Marc Miller.

The website link is http://web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/. The website includes information on native wildlife in the state, how to prevent wildlife damage and contact information for IDNR wildlife staff, Conservation Police and nuisance wildlife removal.

IDNR does not lend traps or remove wildlife from properties. Individuals in need of having wildlife removed can find a list of IDNR-licensed nuisance wildlife control operators through the Living with Wildlife in Illinois website. The private operators will remove nuisance animals from property or buildings, usually for a fee.

The goal of providing the website is to teach people how to avoid human-wildlife conflicts through prevention and planning, which can help to minimize the need to control nuisance animals.

[Text from Illinois Department of Natural Resources file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]