Illinois Shuts Down Hunting of This Animal Amid Declining Populations

Illinois has announced it will immediately halt hunting of this species after research showed a decade-long decline in population.

Immediate Closure Aims to Protect Dwindling Species

According to a press release from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the hunting and trapping season for gray foxes has been indefinitely closed, effective immediately.

READ MORE: Music Star Visits Chicago, Says 'NO' to Popular Tourist Attraction

The decision was reportedly made after recent surveys revealed a sharp drop in the abundance of gray foxes in Illinois over the past decade.

Gray foxes make up only a small portion of Illinois' annual harvest, and IDNR officials believe that pausing hunting and trapping of the species will reduce the struggling population.

New Law Gives IDNR Greater Authority

On June 30, Governor JB Pritzker signed Public Act 103-0205 into law, which amends the Illinois Wildlife Code, giving the IDNR authority to open or close gray fox seasons through administrative rule.

On July 9, the agency used this authority to close the gray fox hunting season indefinitely.

According to the IDNR press release, this state legislation was endorsed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and had strong support from the Illinois Trappers Association, along with bipartisan backing from lawmakers across the state.

Research Points to Disease and Competition

Biologists say the decline in the gray fox population is connected to several different factors, including diseases like canine distemper, and increased competition for more dominant canid species like coyotes, according to the IDNR report.

Get our free mobile app

The IDNR says they will continue monitoring gray fox populations through annual surveys and ongoing research.

River otter and bobcat hunting seasons were able to return to Illinois after the IDNR had past successes in wildlife management, using years of population data.