Illinois backyards are full of creatures that are protected under law, whether you spot them often or rarely. These 10 species need to stay where they are for safety and conservation reasons.
I’ve had a few encounters myself and it made me more careful about how I treat wildlife. Knowing which animals are protected keeps your yard safe and lawful.
1. Bald Eagle
Soaring majestically through Illinois skies, these iconic birds are protected under multiple federal laws. Despite being removed from the endangered species list in 2007, it remains illegal to disturb, capture or harm them.
Even possessing a single feather can result in hefty fines. Their nests receive year-round protection regardless of whether eagles are currently using them.
2. Eastern Box Turtle
Moving at their own pace through Illinois woodlands, these colorful reptiles face population declines due to habitat loss and collection. Their distinctive hinged shell allows them to completely close up when threatened.
Many folks don’t realize that taking one home is against state law. These turtles can live 50+ years in the wild but often die prematurely in captivity.
3. Barn Owl
With heart-shaped faces and ghostly white plumage, these nocturnal hunters help Illinois farmers by controlling rodent populations. Their numbers have declined dramatically due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
Removing a barn owl nest is prohibited under state law. Each owl can consume thousands of mice yearly, making them valuable allies for agriculture throughout the Prairie State.
4. Blanding’s Turtle
Recognized by their bright yellow throats and helmet-shaped shells, these endangered turtles face serious threats across Illinois wetlands. They can live up to 80 years but reproduce slowly, making population recovery difficult.
Handling or relocating them requires special permits. Their cheerful appearance has unfortunately made them targets for the illegal pet trade, further threatening their survival in the Land of Lincoln.
5. Indiana Bat
Tiny but mighty, these federally endangered mammals weigh less than three pennies yet play a crucial role in Illinois ecosystems. A single bat can devour up to 3,000 insects nightly, including agricultural pests.
Disturbing their cave hibernation sites can be catastrophic for colonies. If you find bats in your Illinois home, contact wildlife officials instead of attempting removal yourself – special protocols exist to protect these beneficial creatures.
6. Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
Once abundant throughout the Midwest, this fuzzy pollinator has disappeared from 87% of its historical range. The distinctive rusty patch on its back gives this bee its name and helps identify this endangered species.
Killing or capturing these bees violates federal law. Illinois gardeners can help by planting native wildflowers and avoiding pesticides, creating safe havens for these important pollinators across the state.
7. River Otter
Playful and intelligent, these sleek swimmers have made a remarkable comeback along Illinois waterways after nearly disappearing in the 1900s. Their recovery represents one of the state’s greatest conservation success stories.
Despite their increasing numbers, otters remain protected. Their presence indicates healthy ecosystems, so spotting one along an Illinois river bank is cause for celebration, not concern.
8. Timber Rattlesnake
Fear often drives people to kill these venomous reptiles on sight, but doing so in Illinois could result in significant fines. Despite their intimidating reputation, these snakes prefer avoiding humans and rarely bite unless threatened.
As top predators, they control rodent populations that spread disease. Illinois conservation efforts focus on educating the public about the ecological importance of these misunderstood creatures throughout the state’s forested regions.
9. Bobcat
Elusive and rarely seen, these wild felines have reclaimed much of their former Illinois territory in recent decades. About twice the size of house cats, bobcats help control rabbit and rodent populations throughout the state’s woodlands.
While hunting seasons now exist with strict limits, disturbing dens or kittens remains illegal. Spotting one of these secretive predators in Illinois is a rare privilege rather than cause for alarm.
10. Monarch Butterfly
Famous for their extraordinary migration through Illinois, these orange-winged insects have declined by 80% in recent decades. They’re now under consideration for federal endangered species status due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
Illinois law protects monarchs and their exclusive food source – milkweed plants. Residents across the Prairie State are encouraged to create monarch waystations in their gardens to support these beloved butterflies on their incredible journey.