Illinois Animals

We recently learned what the average annual cost is of having a child in Illinois, so for those who may be torn between having two-legged kids or four-legged ones, here's what you can expect to spend each year on having a dog in our state.

After a couple of fairly high-profile incidents involving coyotes here in Illinois lately, you might be wondering what's going on with Illinois' coyote population. Here's why Illinois' coyotes are out, about, and active at this time of year.

Sure, you might catch a deer or rabbit once in a while, but other than squirrels, we don't see many of Illinois' small animals out and about when the temperatures really drop off in the deep freeze. Why are Midwestern squirrels impervious to cold?

At Thanksgiving time, it's about the foods you should and shouldn't allow your pet to eat, but then at Christmastime you also have to consider not only the foods to avoid but the holiday plants, too. Here are the ones to keep away from the four-legged family members in your house.

If a wild turkey in Illinois tries coming after you, here are some steps to defend yourself against the aggressive bird.

A woman in Illinois recently had her very own Griswold moment when she had to call the local police about a unique home intruder.

Just because you've rarely if ever seen one doesn't mean that they're not around. The state of Illinois has 102 counties, and bobcats have been reported in all but three counties. So, how many does Illinois have? The number will probably surprise you.

My daughter Molly, a true dog-lover if ever there were one, recently told me that her ideal home would have lots and lots and lots of dogs running around. When I asked what lots and lots and lots meant, she replied "whatever the legal limit is." Since I had no idea about legal limits on dogs, I decided to check into it.

If you've spent any time outside during the late night or early morning hours, you've probably noticed that there's a sound that's perfect for Halloween-time: the eerie hooting of an owl or owls. Here's why Illinois' owls are making themselves heard in the month of October.

Over the next 30 days or so, you and your pets are more likely to get a blast of spray from a skunk that at any other time of the year in Illinois. Here's why Illinois' skunks are going to be out and around...and possibly kind of cranky.