Wildlife

Events

Blog Posts
Agricultural field that the EPA requires specific mitigations be calculated for through new Endangered Species Act labeling
Understanding new ESA label requirements for the 2026 Illinois spraying season
Spraying season has officially begun in Illinois agriculture, and this year, additional steps may be necessary to make an application due to a recent...
four poison ivy leaves showing leaf variability in shape and color
On Poison Ivy
Dealing with the effects of a “run-in” with the poison ivy plant is probably the most common negative wildlife encounter people in the Midwest...
invasive carp
Invasive carp impact Illinois waterways
On one warm afternoon last June, I suddenly throttled down the boat as a barrage of silver carp leaped out of the water and pummeled my assistants...
a grey cat sits in the grass outside
Freeroam isn’t natural
I’m startled by the chain-link fence rattling outside the window of my home office and glance up. A lithe, furry predator slinks along the top rail....
More Blogs

News Releases
child with clipboard, paper, and pencil outside
Fifth annual NatureFest to take place on May 16
GENOA, Ill. —Join us again for a day in the woods. University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Forest Preserve, DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation District, and DeKalb County Health Department have planned the fifth annual NatureFest. Join us on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m...
brown coyote in green grass
Registration open for Wild Neighbors: Coyotes program in Belvidere on March 21
BELVIDERE, Ill.—University of Illinois Extension Educator Peggy Anesi will be offering a free educational program on coyotes Saturday, March 21, at 9:00 a.m. at the Boone County Conservation District, 603 Appleton Road. “Coyote families are welcoming their new offspring in March, so it’s a...
beaver in water
Wild Neighbors: Beavers—Nature’s Engineers program coming to Oregon
OREGON, Ill.—Local residents will have an opportunity to learn more about one of Illinois’ most fascinating native animals during Wild Neighbors: Beavers—Nature’s Engineers, a free program offered by University of Illinois Extension. The presentation will be held on Wednesday, February...
More News

Videos
Wild and Wily Animal Invaders

Across the U.S., including Illinois, many non-native wildlife species have found their way into new environments where they can be a threat. Explore the history of these animal invasions and the tug-of-war between the biology of animals, including humans, and efforts to protect our native...

Uncovering the Winter Secrets of Whip-poor-wills

Often heard and rarely seen, the eastern whip-poor-will and its namesake nighttime call is an iconic Midwestern woodland bird. But like many other insect-eating birds, its numbers are declining. University of Illinois avian researchers are working to uncover the secrets of where this elusive...
More Videos

Staff
More Staff