Endangered Animals in Illinois: What the Law Says and Why It Matters

Illinois is quietly facing one of the most significant wildlife crises in the Midwest — and most residents don’t realize the scale of it. There are around 424 Illinois species currently listed as threatened or endangered by the state, and the Prairie State has lost over 90% of its wetlands and 99.99% of its natural prairie. Those losses have reshaped which animals can survive here — and which ones are now fighting to.

Whether you’re a landowner, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who spotted an unusual creature in a field, understanding the legal protections around endangered animals in Illinois matters more than you might think. The rules carry real consequences, and the stakes for these species are high.

This guide walks you through how Illinois classifies and protects its most vulnerable wildlife, which animals you’re most likely to encounter, what the law prohibits, and what you can do to help.

How Endangered Species Are Listed and Protected in Illinois

Illinois has its own dedicated framework for identifying and safeguarding at-risk wildlife, separate from — but connected to — federal law. Understanding how that system works helps you make sense of why certain animals receive protection and how that protection is enforced.

The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board (ESPB) was created by the passage of the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act in 1972, and its mission is to protect those species of plants and animals native to Illinois that are in danger of being lost from the wild. The Board consists of nine members appointed by the Governor, and by law, the members include at least six naturalists — including at least two zoologists, two ecologists, and one botanist.

The Board reviews and revises the Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species no less often than every five years, and the most recent review was completed in 2025. The new 2025 Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species became effective on October 31, 2025.

To qualify for listing, a species must meet at least one of several criteria. These include species that formerly were widespread in Illinois but have been nearly extirpated from the state due to habitat destruction, collecting, or other pressures; species that exhibit very restricted geographic ranges of which Illinois is a part; and species that exhibit restricted habitats or low populations in Illinois.

Key Insight: The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act defines two categories — endangered and threatened. An “Endangered Species” includes any species in danger of extinction in the wild in Illinois due to causes including the destruction, diminution, or disturbance of habitat, overexploitation, predation, pollution, or disease. A “Threatened Species” is any species likely to become endangered in the wild in Illinois within the foreseeable future.

All federally designated endangered or threatened species and subspecies are automatically listed as endangered or threatened under the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act and are protected under the Act even though their names may not appear in the state checklist.

The IDNR maintains a list of protected species, including both flora and fauna, and the listing process relies on scientific data and expert consultations to ensure conservation efforts are evidence-based. You can explore the full 2025 Illinois List of Endangered and Threatened Species directly on the IDNR’s website.

Federally Listed vs. State-Listed Endangered Animals in Illinois

One of the most important distinctions to understand is the difference between federal and state listing — because both can apply to the same animal, and both carry legal weight.

At the federal level, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. At the state level, the IDNR and the ESPB manage the Illinois list. The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act defines endangered and threatened species in the same manner as the Endangered Species Act, and all federally listed species are included in the Illinois list.

However, the Illinois list goes further. Only those federally designated endangered or threatened species known to occur in Illinois are designated as Illinois-endangered or Illinois-threatened by the Board. That means some animals carry only state-level protection, while others are protected under both state and federal law simultaneously — giving them a stronger legal shield.

Feature	State-Listed (Illinois)	Federally Listed (ESA)
Governing Authority	Illinois ESPB / IDNR	U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Legal Framework	Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act (520 ILCS 10)	Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973
Geographic Scope	Illinois only	Nationwide
List Review Frequency	At least every 5 years	Petition-based
Permit Authority	IDNR issues state permits	USFWS issues federal permits
Private Land Impact	Yes, applies on private land	Yes, applies on private land

Endangered, threatened, and protected classifications are tricky and often have complex and intertwined regulations. Under the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act, plants and animals can be placed in two categories — endangered or threatened — determined by their level of threat to long-term survival.

Important Note: Some species carry overlapping classifications. For example, the gray wolf (Canis lupus) is listed as both endangered — meaning at risk for extinction in Illinois — and protected under the Wildlife Code. Always check both the state and federal list when assessing an animal’s legal status.

If you’re curious how Illinois compares to neighboring states, you can also read about endangered animals in Washington and endangered animals in Virginia to see how different states approach wildlife protection.

Notable Endangered Animals Found in Illinois

Illinois is home to a striking variety of endangered wildlife — from bats and birds to mussels and dragonflies. Illinois threatened and endangered species include fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, mollusks, and arthropods. Below are some of the most significant species you may encounter or hear about in Illinois.

Rusty-Patched Bumblebee (Bombus affinis)

The rusty-patched bumblebee is a state and federally endangered species that can be found in prairies, woodlands, marshes, parks, and gardens. It relies on nectar and pollen from a diverse range of flowers and made history in 2017 by becoming the first bumblebee in the continental U.S. to be listed on the federally endangered species list.

Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis)

The northern long-eared bat is a recent addition to the federal endangered species list. It was listed because of a disease called white-nose syndrome, which is estimated to have caused a 97 to 100% decline in most affected populations. It lives in bottomland forests, near ponds and peatlands, and hibernates in caves and buildings.

Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)

The Blanding’s turtle is a state-endangered species found in Illinois. A recovery plan for Blanding’s turtle has been implemented by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. This semi-aquatic turtle is easily identified by its bright yellow chin and throat and is found near wetlands, marshes, and slow-moving waterways.

Hine’s Emerald Dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana)

This striking green-eyed dragonfly is both state and federally endangered. Only twenty species ever listed have had Illinois Endangered and Threatened Species Recovery Plans approved by the board, but other parties may implement recovery plans without board approval — including a plan for Hine’s emerald dragonfly headed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)

The piping plover is listed as both Illinois and federally endangered. This small shorebird relies on open sandy beaches and shorelines for nesting — habitat that has been significantly reduced by human development along Lake Michigan.

Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus)

The pallid sturgeon is among the most ancient fish species in Illinois and is listed as both state and federally endangered. It inhabits large river systems, including portions of the Mississippi River that border Illinois, and is highly vulnerable to habitat degradation and altered river flows.

Illinois Chorus Frog (Pseudacris streckeri illinoensis)

The Illinois chorus frog is a state threatened species that prefers to live along rivers and streams and in sand prairies. The species is threatened by cultivation and the loss of sand areas and floodplains. It often burrows head-first in the sand and eats spiders, mites, and other insects. Even though it spends the majority of its life underground, you can recognize these frogs by listening for their clear, high-pitched whistles.

Pro Tip: If you want to track endangered species by county, the IDNR Natural Heritage Database publishes Illinois Threatened and Endangered Species data by county. It’s a useful tool for landowners and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Illinois’s wildlife challenges are part of a much larger national story. To understand how extinction pressure looks on a global scale, take a look at this overview of extinct animals throughout history.

What You Cannot Do Around Endangered Animals in Illinois

Illinois law is explicit about what constitutes a violation when it comes to endangered and threatened species. You don’t have to intentionally target an animal to run into legal trouble — even indirect actions can carry consequences.

The Endangered Species Protection Act (520 ILCS 10/3) makes it unlawful for any person to possess, take, transport, sell, offer for sale, give, or otherwise dispose of any animal or the product thereof of any animal species which occurs on the Illinois List.

In addition to taking a species, delivering, receiving, selling, purchasing, or transporting a threatened or endangered animal species is prohibited without a permit, whether the species is alive or dead. Permits are also required for individual or group activities that involve interfering with a species’ habitat.

At the federal level, the definition of prohibited conduct is even broader. The Endangered Species Act makes the taking of an animal on the endangered or threatened species list illegal. According to the act, to “take” is defined as to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect or attempt to engage in any such conduct.”

• Do not capture, handle, or relocate any endangered animal — even if you believe you are helping it
• Do not collect, buy, or sell any part of an endangered animal, including feathers, shells, or bones
• Do not destroy or significantly alter habitat known to support endangered species without authorization
• Do not transport an endangered species across state lines without a federal permit
• Do not take plants on the Illinois List without the express written permission of the landowner

Common Mistake: Many people assume that finding an injured or dead endangered animal gives them legal permission to keep it. It does not. Possessing any part of a listed species — even a found specimen — is prohibited unless you hold a valid state or federal permit.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the programs overseeing permits for the possession of specimens or products of Illinois endangered or threatened species and authorization for incidental taking of Illinois endangered or threatened species.

If you’re in Illinois and want to understand which other wildlife you may legally or illegally interact with, it’s worth reviewing the venomous animals in Illinois that also carry handling restrictions.

Endangered Species on Private Land in Illinois

One of the most common misconceptions about endangered species law is that it only applies on public land. That’s not true in Illinois — and understanding this distinction matters enormously if you own or manage property in the state.

The Illinois Endangered Protection Species Act establishes various standards and limitations to protect endangered and threatened species within the state. These standards include restrictions on activities that could harm or disturb protected species, such as habitat modification, land development, or the use of certain substances, and the Act sets performance standards for projects that may impact protected species, requiring developers to minimize and mitigate any potential adverse effects.

In practical terms, if your land contains habitat for a listed species — a wetland, a cave, a stretch of riverbank — you may face limitations on how you can develop or alter that land. Individuals engaging in activities that might result in the taking of a protected species must abide by a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which includes information on how to mitigate or minimize any impacts to the species or its habitat.

Regional offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issue incidental take permits. An incidental take permit is required if an activity may result in the taking of a threatened or endangered species. Those who apply for this permit must submit a habitat conservation plan to the proper federal or state authority ensuring that the effects of taking the species will be minimized and mitigated.

Scenario	Permit Required?	Who to Contact
Land development near known habitat	Yes — Incidental Take Authorization	IDNR or USFWS
Agricultural activities in sensitive areas	Possibly — depends on impact	IDNR Division of Natural Heritage
Timber harvesting in occupied habitat	Likely — consult IDNR first	IDNR Endangered Species Program
Routine lawn or garden maintenance	Generally no	N/A
Possessing a found specimen	Yes — possession permit required	IDNR Division of Natural Heritage

Pro Tip: Before purchasing or developing land in Illinois, request an IDNR Natural Heritage Database review. This free service tells you whether any listed species or significant natural communities are known to occur on or near your property — helping you avoid costly violations down the line.

Developers and consultants should work closely with the IDNR to understand and fulfill the specific monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping obligations applicable to their projects. Private landowners who proactively engage with the IDNR before undertaking projects are far less likely to face enforcement actions than those who proceed without consultation.

Habitat loss is one of the leading drivers of species decline. Illinois has lost over 90% of its wetlands, 99% of prairies, and 80% of its forests, and much of the remaining natural areas are affected by pollution. Private landowners who steward sensitive habitat play a critical — and often underappreciated — role in reversing that trend.

How to Report an Endangered Animal Sighting in Illinois

Spotting an endangered animal in the wild is a meaningful moment — and reporting it can directly support conservation efforts in the state. The IDNR actively relies on public observations to maintain accurate data on where listed species are found.

The IDNR Natural Heritage Database maintains data on Illinois’ endangered and threatened species as well as information for several other significant natural resources in the state. Your sighting could fill a critical gap in that data.

You have two options for submitting a report:

1. Report online: You can map and report your observation online using the IDNR’s online E&T reporting tool.
2. Submit a sighting form: Complete an Endangered/Threatened Species Occurrence and Sighting Report Form and submit it to the IDNR Natural Heritage Database Manager at Tara.Kieninger@illinois.gov.

For individuals who are not already recognized as species experts by database staff, the addition of a photo voucher of the species occurrence is required as part of the report. So if you spot something unusual, take a clear photograph if it’s safe and legal to do so — but never disturb, approach, or attempt to handle the animal.

Pro Tip: Apps like iNaturalist are widely used by Illinois wildlife observers and can help you identify species before submitting a formal report. Many IDNR staff and biologists actively monitor iNaturalist observations as a supplemental data source.

When submitting a report, include as much detail as possible:

• Exact location (GPS coordinates or a detailed description)
• Date and time of the sighting
• Number of individuals observed
• Behavior of the animal (feeding, nesting, resting)
• Photo documentation, if available
• Habitat description (wetland, forest edge, agricultural field, etc.)

You can also contact the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board directly at dnr.espb@illinois.gov or by phone at 217-785-8687 for general questions about listed species in your area.

Citizen science participation has become an increasingly important tool for wildlife conservation. If you’re interested in the broader role that everyday observers play in protecting biodiversity, exploring animals native to Australia offers a compelling look at how different countries approach species monitoring and protection.

Penalties for Harming or Taking an Endangered Animal in Illinois

Illinois takes violations of its endangered species law seriously. Both state and federal penalties apply depending on which law is violated — and in many cases, both can apply simultaneously.

The Illinois Endangered Protection Species Act provides for various enforcement actions and penalties in cases of non-compliance, and the IDNR, in cooperation with other state and federal agencies, is responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Act.

The severity of the enforcement action and the associated penalties depends on factors such as the nature and extent of the violation, the potential harm to protected species, and the violator’s compliance history.

Under state law, the Illinois Fish and Aquatic Life Code establishes specific monetary values for protected species violations. For each species listed on the federal or state endangered and threatened species list, the assessed value is $150 per animal in whole or in part. This valuation is used when calculating restitution and fines in criminal proceedings.

At the federal level, penalties under the Endangered Species Act are significantly higher:

• Criminal penalties: Up to $50,000 in fines and up to one year in prison per violation for knowingly taking, possessing, selling, or transporting a listed species
• Civil penalties: Up to $25,000 per violation for knowing violations; up to $12,000 per violation for unknowing violations
• Forfeiture: Any equipment, vehicles, or vessels used in the commission of a violation may be seized and forfeited

Important Note: In 2019, the Illinois General Assembly passed Public Act 101-0235, which amended the Act to include additional protections for threatened and endangered species and their habitats, and strengthened the IDNR’s authority to enforce the Act and impose penalties for violations. Enforcement has become more rigorous in recent years — ignorance of a species’ protected status is not a legal defense.

Commercial violations — such as selling or trafficking endangered species or their parts — are treated with particular severity under both state and federal law. The Illinois government has declared that the mishandling, capture, or lethal removal of listed species by humans is strictly prohibited and illegal.

Beyond the legal consequences, there’s a broader ecological cost to consider. There are greater than 400 species of plants and animals classified as endangered or threatened in Illinois, and each one represents an irreplaceable thread in the state’s ecological fabric. The legal framework exists not to punish curiosity, but to ensure these species have a fighting chance at survival.

If you’re interested in learning more about the intersection of animals and legal protections in neighboring states, explore our coverage of endangered animals in West Virginia for comparison.

You might also find value in understanding animals that face unique biological challenges. Our guides on animals with no heart and animals that sleep a lot offer a fascinating look at the diversity of life that conservation laws work to protect.

Illinois’s endangered species laws exist because the state’s wildlife cannot advocate for itself. By understanding the rules, reporting what you see, and respecting the habitats these animals depend on, you become part of the solution — not the problem. The Prairie State’s biodiversity is still worth fighting for, and every informed resident makes a difference.