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armadillo movement and wildlife disease. Armadillo walking

Tracking the armadillo expansion into Illinois

In the past decade, people living in southern Illinois have seen armadillos in their backyards, in the field, or, in most cases, as roadkill. Sightings of armadillos are becoming common as they continue what appears to be a northward expansion. Armadillos have become established in the region, and...
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small opossum held in gloved hand in clinic

Should you rescue that animal? Understanding injured wildlife

As our cities expand and natural habitats shrink, encounters with wildlife are becoming more frequent. Whether you are out in a local forest preserve or in your own backyard, there’s a chance you might stumble upon an injured, ill, or orphaned animal.Does this animal need help?Before intervening,...
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Road ecology

Highway to harm – the hidden toll of roads on wildlife

While commuting to work in southernmost Illinois, I regularly lament seeing crushed eastern box turtles and other roadkill along the mostly rural roads. I sometimes see as many as 5-10 living eastern box turtles on the road in the morning. Unfortunately, I do not always have time or feel that it is...
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Quail in Illinois

Where have all the quail gone?

Not very long ago, you couldn’t walk a fencerow or open field in Illinois without your heart skipping a beat as a covey of quail flushed beneath your feet. After a long day in the fields, through all the noise of the world, their iconic two-beat whistle stuck in your head as you try to fall asleep...
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Animal Encounters

Animals expand our understanding of the natural world

The diversity of forms of wildlife in Illinois is astonishing. There are hundreds of species of fish and birds, and thousands of species of plants and insects. Illinois is home to over 400 species of bees alone! How do you define wildlife? I think wildlife includes any living organism...
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