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Since 2016, it has been legal to hunt or trap bobcats in Illinois during hunting season (Nov. 10-Feb. 15), even though they were on the threatened species list until 1999. Now some state lawmakers and the Illinois Bobcat Foundation want to protect them from harm. Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Ill.) introduced House Bill 1827 in February. It would make it unlawful for any person to hunt or trap bobcats in this state. Jennifer Kuroda is the president of the Illinois Bobcat Foundation. She supports the bill. "Legislators don’t want to hear about how many signatures you have on one of those [online] petitions," she said. "They want to hear from you. They want to hear from their constituents, and they want to know what you think about this." Bobcats have been spotted in 99 of Illinois’ 102 counties. Kuroda says unless they are cornered or rabid, they won’t hurt you. "It’s just like any other wildlife that’s out there, right? Just enjoy that you have an opportunity to be in the presence of a bobcat.

Region: Northern,Feeds,Region: DeKalb,Local,City: DeKalb

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March 1, 2021 at 06:11AM