Armadillos are an established species in southern Illinois, but officials now are examining whether their territory is moving northward.
According to officials with the Forest Preserve District of Will County, the state’s Department of Natural Resources is asking residents report any sightings of the animal in the central and northern parts of Illinois, specifically in areas north of Springfield.
IDNR is reportedly evaluating whether armadillos are extending their range northward, with climate change potentially impacting the effective northern end of their habitat.
According to officials, armadillos do not hibernate, and can only live in regions where the annual temperature remains above 28 degrees year-round.
The animals aren’t the only ones IDNR is interested in receiving reports on, either. According to the state, residents who see large predators like gray wolves, cougars or black bears are also encouraged to report those sightings, with multiple such incidents occurring in recent years.
None of the animals are native to Illinois, but are active in neighboring states and occasionally make their way across state borders, according to the IDNR website.
Feral swine, nutria and fishers are also on the list of animals the IDNR is seeking information on sightings of.
All forms for those sightings can be found on the IDNR website.
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