If you have any questions about the wildlife of Chicago, you can contact the Illinois Wildlife Commission, sometimes called the Illinois Fish & Wildlife Agency. Illinois game wardens address many wildlife management matters, from hunting licenses, to poaching, endangered species, and Chicago wildlife management. They deal with wild animals outside the range of a pest control company, such as cougars or bears. If you have a problem with nuisance wildlife in Chicago like squirrels, snakes, bats, or raccoons, the state agency is very unlikely to help. You need to hire a private company (here are their prices) such as A1 Wildlife and Abatement at 773-800-2233.

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I also have listed several sources for free Chicago wildlife help. One example, if you've found an injured animal or lost baby bird or other baby animal is the Chicago Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic: 847-842-8000 Or just read below for more info about the wild animals of Chicago.

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Illinois State bird: Northern cardinal
State mammal: White-tailed deer
State reptile: Painted turtle
State amphibian:
State fish: Bluegill
State insect: Monarch butterfly

Illinois is a fairly long state as states go, and because of its central location in the country, it experiences both mild and extreme weather. Most of the state is humid, making for hot summers and cold winters. The majority of the state is flat prairie land, though there are some hills as you near the western boundary. Because of the vast expanses of tree-less ground, the state has an abundance of prairie dogs, small creatures that build extensive underground cities. Prairie dogs are particularly detrimental to farm equipment and livestock. The ground above the tunnel system cannot support a large machine and often causes an animal's leg to break through.

As you might expect, Illinois also has a variety of grazing animals. These animals are rarely problematic for homeowners due to the abundance of food for them in untouched wilderness. Of these grazers, bison were once numerous, but they no longer roam wild like they did in the pioneer days.

Illinois has also lost many of its large predators due to hunting and deliberate removals. Coyotes are now the primary predator, taking the place of wolves and cougars which used to populate the state. Slowly, cougars have been reintroduced, but their population is still small, and they are far from being considered the top predator in the state. Illinois does not have a breeding population of bears; however, some wandering animals from other states have crossed the border on occasion.

There are, of course, a few staple animals that plague homeowners across the continent. Raccoons are one of the most common pest animals, especially in urban areas. These masked robbers will get into any food source they can, and their meddling often draws in urban coyotes. Rats and mice are hardy enough to live in any area, and they are as densely populated in cities like Chicago as they are in New York City.

Beaver are another nuisance animal native to Illinois though they were almost completely wiped out through trapping in the 1800's. Now, the beaver population is making a comeback, and with it are concerns about flooding and tree damage. Another semi-aquatic animal making a comeback in the state is the river otter. These playful creatures were also once considered extinct within the state. Slowly, the state wildlife authorities have been monitoring the otter population to ensure it continues to grow and remain healthy.

If you need a professional wildlife trapper in Chicago, IL call A1 Wildlife and Abatement: 773-800-2233

Chicago Raccoons:

This masked animal is fairly common in Chicago, IL. They frequently raid trash cans and steal pet food. They also often choose to live in the attic or chimney of your home. One of Illinois's beautiful animals, but often a nuisance. We offer Chicago raccoon removal.

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Chicago Squirrels:

Squirrels are often a pest in Chicago. They love to live in an attic, and will chew on wood or electrical wires. They are agile creatures, and live throughout the state of Illinois. Call A1 Wildlife and Abatement if you need squirrel removal in Chicago.

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Chicago Opossum:

You may spot this animal in Chicago at night time, perhaps rooting through your garbage. This opportunistic animal will take your pet's food or live under your porch. The possum is a great Illinois survivor, and not all that ugly.

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Chicago Snakes:

There are many species of snakes in Chicago, but few are venomous. If you need help identifying snakes of Illinois, browse this site or give us a call at 773-800-2233. We at A1 Wildlife and Abatement can provide Chicago snake control any time you need us.

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Chicago Rat Control:

The Norway Rat, Roof Rat, and House Mouse inhabit most areas of North America that people inhabit, including most Illinois cities. They contaminate food and love to live in the walls or attic of a home. A1 Wildlife and Abatement can get rid of them once and for all.

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Chicago Bats:

Bats are special animals, and found throughout Illinois. They are good creatures and eat a lot of insects, but if you have an infestation of bats in your home or building, you can give us a call for professional Chicago bat removal and control.

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REPORT WILDLIFE ISSUES: (708) 974-6140

To report a dead animal on the road, an injured bird, a lost baby squirrel, a dangerous bear, or anything like that, call animal services at (708) 974-6140

If they can't help, call the Illinois Wildlife Commission at (708) 974-6140. You can also call your local sheriff department at (708) 974-6140 - they often deal with public wildlife issues.

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We are experts with all kinds of IL wildlife and are familiar with the wild animals native to Chicago. If you need Chicago pigeon control, geese or other bird removal, we can help. We are experts with skunks and skunk problems, digging animals such as moles, armadillos, & groundhogs, and we offer Illinois beaver control and removal. A1 Wildlife and Abatement also provides dead animal removal services. 773-800-2233

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Chicago Wildlife Tip
What To Do About Rodent Activity In Attic - Rodent activity in the attic needs to be dealt with swiftly and efficiently. The unmistakeable sound of pattering claws and gnawing teeth means that these rodents are causing untold damage to your home. Although there are many home remedies and fail safe methods of dealing with rodents it is important to note that they do not work - no smell, noise, obstacle or light system will deter rodents from the task at hand - that is finding a warm, safe home for their family. It is well known that the first rodent to find its way into a home is often a pregnant momma rodent - which means you are dealing with a colony.

There is only one solution for dealing with rodent activity in the attic and that is to trap and remove well away from your property - otherwise they are likely to cause even more damage chewing their way back into their new accommodations. Setting a trap at the most popular exit and entry way used by the rodents and taking the time to correctly seal all other gaps, cracks and holes will mean that, over a number of weeks, you will be able to eradicate your rodent problem.

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Chicago, IL Wildlife News Clip:
Chicago Shelter rehabilitates falcon after it was shot

BARRINGTON, Ill. Officials at a wildlife shelter in the Chicago suburbs are trying to track down the origin of a gyrfalcon (JHUR'-fal-kon) who was found shot near a school in Antioch (an-tee-AHK').

The falcon is recuperating at the Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation shelter in Barrington. The migratory bird with a 48-inch wingspan was found September 24th near Hillcrest Elementary School. Officials do not know who shot the federally protected bird.

A pellet pierced one of the bird's wings and another lodged in its chest. It also suffered major head trauma and was dehydrated. The shelter is doing all it can to help heal the bird and nurse it back to health.

The bird had a tracking band on its leg indicating that it came from Canada. Shelter founder Dawn Mickelson says it'll take months to determine whether or not the bird can return to the wild.

Most animals brought to the shelter ultimately survive, are innoculated against rabies and other diseases, and are relocated to an appropriate habitat. The Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Shelter specializes in the care and rehabilitation of Chicago Wildlife.

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Critter Problem at Your House? Hire A1 Wildlife and Abatement
Wildlife removal is not a free service.

If you have a Chicago wildlife problem and need help, call A1 Wildlife and Abatement at 773-800-2233. They provide professional wildlife control for both residential & commercial customers in the city of Chicago. They offer custom Chicago wildlife control solutions for almost any type of wildlife problem, whether it be the noises of squirrels running through the attic, a colony of bats living in a building, or the destructive behavior of a raccoon, they have the experience and the tools to quickly and professionally solve your wild animal problem in Cook County in Illinois. Check their prices, and for a consultation, give them a call at 773-800-2233

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We also service the towns of Oak Park, Deerfield, Richton Park, Oak Forest, Berwyn, Countryside, and extermination services in Willow Springs, Highwood, Winnetka, Roselle, Homer Glen, and snake removal in Cary, Lisle, Montgomery, Highland Park, Downers Grove, Chicago Ridge, Skokie, La Grange, Grayslake, Hinsdale, Matteson, Bolingbrook, Lansing, Schaumburg, and animal capture in Antioch, Huntley, West Dundee, Alsip, Kenosha, WI, Algonquin, Sandwich, Rolling Meadowsand wild animal services in Pleasant Prairie, WI, Elgin, Harwood Heights, Bensenville, La Grange Park, Fox Lake, and wildlife trapping in Glendale Heights, Silver Lake, WI, Kingston, WI, New Munster, WI, Sycamore, Wilmot, WI, Prospect Heights, and animal exterminating in Park Forest, Willowbrook, Evanstonand wildlife management in Calumet Park, Streamwood, Wilmette, Darien, and rat control in Hanover Park, Palatine, Barrington, Woodstock, Zion, Carol Stream, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Harvard, Somers, WI, Oak Lawn, Arlington Heights, Naperville, Princeton, WI, Steger, Mundelein, Hoffman Estates, and rodent removal in McHenry, Blue Island, Wheeling, Romeoville. To learn more, visit pestanimalcontrolchicago.com/.

You're still reading this page? We do not operate Chicago wildlife rescue, or a Chicago zoo or nature center, or Chicago wildlife sanctuary or refuge for volunteers. We are a privately owned nuisance wildlife removal service company. If you need a pro in Chicago to solve your problem for you, call A1 Wildlife and Abatement: 773-800-2233 and they can help you with your Chicago wildlife problem.