While Illinois State biologists at this point in time say that only about 14.7 percent of Illinois’ area is suitable for black bears, 6.6 percent for mountain lions and 14 percent for gray wolves, Gov. Pat Quinn and the state Legislature get a standing ovation from me and other like minded rewilding advocates for their decision to put these carnivores under the protection of the Illinois Wildlife Code effective come January 1, 2015..............While this code does call for the protection of the wolves, bears and pumas, it does give human residents the leeway of killing these creatures if there is perceived to be an imminent threat to their lives and property...........Let us hope that we can get the Illinois politicians to tighten up this policy so as to truly prevent "shoot, shovel and shut up" from taking place if and when viable populations of these carnivores come to roost in the state.

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Bears, cougars, gray wolves to be  protected in Illinois

NT Staff Share With Friend SPRINGFIELD — The gray wolf,  American black bear and mountain  lion (cougar) will come under the  protection of the Illinois Wildlife  Code on Jan. 1, Illinois Department  of Natural Resources Director Marc  Miller announced Monday. Senate  Bill 3049, signed by Gov. Pat Quinn,  gives the IDNR the authority to manage  these species for the protection of both  wildlife and public safety.  All three species were present when settlers arrived in Illinois , but were all but gone from the state by the mid-1800s. Du e to improved legal protections and habitat restoration, these  species are returning  to some of their former range in the easternUnited States. “Wolves, mountain lions and black bears have been absent from  Illinois for more than 150 years. As the populations of these animals  continue to grow, we expect to see occasional individuals  dispersing from their current ranges into Illinois,” said IDNR  Director Marc Miller. “I want to thank Governor Quinn and bill  sponsors Sen. Linda Holmes and Rep. Kelly Cassidy for their  leadership. This law gives the Department the ability to create long-term  management goals and to draft response protocols on managing  human-wildlife conflicts with these three species.” SB 3049  allows landowners to take a black bear or mountain lion if there  is an  imminent threat to lives and property. The law also allows landowners to apply for a nuisance permit  to remove an animal that is not an immediate threat. The gray wolf  already receives legal protection in Illinois from both the U.S. and  Illinois Endangered Species Acts. In these instances, endangered  species law will be followed. Due to its federal protection, rules for  taking a gray wolf south of Interstate 80 are more stringent. South  of Interstate 80, gray wolves may not be taken unles they present  an imminent threat to people. Any other taking requires state and  federal permits. The gray wolf already receives legal protection in Illinois from  both the U.S.  and Illinois Endangered Species Acts. In these instances,  endangered species            law will be followed. Due to its’ federal protection, Common questions about SB3049:            Is Illinois encouraging the return of large predators?            The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is not actively  working to restore gray wolves, American black bears or mountain  lions to  Illinois. However, IDNR recognizes that occasional individual animals are likely to  make their way here. A month-long visit to northern Illinois by a  black bear in June demonstrated the benefits of cooperation among  state and local government entities in monitoring the bear, but  allowing it remain a wild animal. The passage of SB3049 is a first  necessary step that allows the Department to develop formal rules  and protocols to manage these species. What will IDNR do to manage wolves, bears and mountain lions. Right now, IDNR biologists and the Illinois Conservation Police  are  working together to develop protocols for addressing interactions  between people and wolves, bears and mountain lions.  Conservation Police will share this information with local law enforcement agencies, the  likely first-responders in the event of a sighting or nuisance call.  Currently, Illinois Conservation Police officers are allowing these  animals to go on their way unless they pose a threat. What are the chances of populations of wolves, black bears and  mountain lions becoming established in Illinois? Re-colonization by these species is possible although Illinois has  relatively little suitable habitat in large enough blocks to support  these animals. According to habitat models, only about 14.7 percent of Illinois’  area is suitable for black bears, 6.6 percent for mountain lions and  14 percent for gray wolves. What can Illinois residents do to be prepared for encounters with these species? Property owners can avoid encounters with wildlife by securing potential food sources, including pet food, barbecue grills, trash and other sources. Bird feeders can be taken down temporarily in the event of a local sighting. Learn more about living with wildlife in Illinois: web.extension.illinois.edu/wildlife/ Read the text of SB 3049: www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum3049&GAID12&GA98&DocTypeIDSB&LegID79413&SessionID85