Illinois Animals

From farm fields to city blocks, coyotes have quietly figured out how to live just about everywhere in Illinois — and they're doing it better than almost any other wildlife species in the state.

Fido and Rover are basically retired at this point. The names people are giving their dogs now sound more like the kids in a kindergarten class.

Most of Illinois's snakes won't hurt you. But a few of the ones living along these five lakes absolutely could, and one of them uses its babies as bait.

Red-winged blackbirds have their own way of saying, 'Stay away!'—and it involves a surprising aerial attack. Nature can be feisty!

In a city known for its skyscrapers and busy streets, wildlife is finding its place. You might be shocked at what's been spotted lately.

It will totally suck, but don't be shocked if your dog should happen to have a very smelly encounter with a skunk (or, in a worst-case scenario, skunks) over the next month, no matter where you live in Illinois.

As technology and community unite, a missing dog in the northwest suburbs finds her way home after a remarkable drone-assisted rescue. What a heartwarming story to share!

As winter fades, those little black-and-white critters are on the move in Northern Illinois, and they're not just looking for food.

While Punxsutawney Phil gets all the fame, our own Woodstock Willie has some interesting predictions to share that might surprise you.

Illinois bans many exotic animals as pets. From tigers to pandas, learn which animals are illegal to own and why state laws protect people and wildlife.