Illinois Protection of Wildlife- (SB3049) Updated* (5/23/14 4:22am)

This Bill adds the Gray Wolf, American Black Bear and Cougar to the list of protected Species.  However, there is a clause stating that if they are causing "imminent threat or there is a reasonable expectation that it causes imminent threat" it is not illegal for an owner to immediately take on his or her property. 

Currently in our area, there are only 2 breeding black bears; just south of St. Louis, the wolf is in the Upper Midwest Region and the Cougar is located in South Dakota.  

This Bill has passed Senate and the House added the Amendment where imminent threat is warranted.  Currently, the Bill will need to get passed again over in the Senate with the House Amendment attached before it heads over to the Governor. 

Date Filed: 2/7/14
By: Senator Holmes
Status: Passed both Houses

Passed House 116-0
Do Pass as Amended / Short Debate; 016-000-000
Amendment Filed: 3/21/14
Do Pass as Amended 006-000-002
Third Reading Senate - Passed; 047-000-000

Summary:
Amends the Wildlife Code. Adds the Gray wolf, American black bear, and Cougar to the list of protected species under the Act.

View more information and the entire Bill here

Amendment #1 filed.
Summary:
(a) It shall not be illegal for an owner or tenant of land, or their designated agent, to immediately take on his or her property a gray wolf, Canis lupus; American black bear, Ursus americanus; or cougar, Puma concolor if, at any time, the gray wolf, American black bear, or cougar is stalking, causing an imminent threat, or there is a reasonable expectation that it causes an imminent threat of physical harm or death to a human, livestock, domestic animals or harm to structures or other property on the owner or tenant's land.


View entire Amendment here.