wolves in illinois

It's a fun and educational experience for the kids. Both men were charged under state conservation law, but the charges were later dismissed. Genetic testing on that wolf revealed it was from northern Wisconsin or Michigan. The Illinois Wolves are a separate species from Illinois Dogs, which is a different kind of dog. If you have recently seen a gray wolf in Illinois, please report the sighting to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Also include images of the wider area where the tracks were found, including the tracks and other local features that can be located if the tracks are destroyed. Fewer deer means fewer car accidents. On Oct. 29, 2020, the U.S. Contact your local animal control agency with questions regarding wolf/dog hybrids. Recent coyote attacks on dogs in Glenview and Wheaton have raised concerns about the danger these animals pose to both pets and humans. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Programs have restored gray wolf populations in western and northern U.S. since then, but they are seen in Illinois. However, wolves may also have solid coats of black or white. Pretty much everyone loves spending time petting animals, and Illinois provides many places to do just that. Gray wolves average 65 pounds and red wolves weigh about 50. The coywolves are smaller than wolves and have obvious traits of both species. Wolves captured a 3-0 win a few weeks ago at Molineux, but overperformed their xGOT total by 1.33 goals. The core of Wisconsins wolf population is in its forested north. Today, there are no known breeding populations of these large predators in Illinois, though occasionally individual animals will move through looking for new territory. Before Europeans settled what would become the United States, wolves roamed from coast to coast. He wept when talking about how many wolves have been killed and believes theyre still being hunted. A female wolf that had been radio-collared in Wisconsin was tracked into Stephenson County in December 2012. Contact your local animal control agency with questions regarding wolf/dog hybrids. | A male wolf was shot during a coyote hunt in Marshall County in 2002. Gray wolves may not be hunted, killed, or harassed for any reason. But the wolf-coyote hybrid seems more likely in the near term.. We occasionally see lone young male wolves, very few, out wandering in search of territory. The organization is unaware of any self-sustaining wolf packs or populations in the state, but noted that for the last. However, these species are all still very rare visitors in the state. Do not surprise the wolf. Wolves are a threatened species throughout the entire state of Illinois, Schweizer said. Thousands of coyotes are thriving in Chicago, a peaceful co-existence, but not always. ILLINOIS Love Illinois? The coywolf is a result of the interbreeding of the eastern wolf and the western coyote, a phenomenon first documented in Ontarios Algonquin Provincial Park in 1919. In order to describe it really well, one has to talk in a language that is very difficult for the general public to understand. Gray wolves were eliminated from Illinois before 1860 due to hunting pressure. Their numbers in the lower 48 states fell to a few dozen by 1970 but dramatically rebounded with federal protections and wildly successful reintroduction programs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. "It was about 6:45 on a Friday night and we got a frantic call from her family. If you have food with you, drop the food and keep moving away. Experts are skeptical of Smiths conclusion, but theyre intrigued enough to seek further study. As a matter of fact, wolves are native to Illinois, with the state being home to a number of species. If you have recently seen a gray wolf in Illinois, pleasereport the sightingto the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. They have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and large feet. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that they would be removing gray wolves from the federal endangered species list for the lower 48 states. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, Jay Smith, a farmer in Industry, Ill., talks in spring 2018 about his relationship with what he believes are wolves. According to the IDNR, wolves were no longer living in Illinois by 1860. Ben Sacks, director of the mammalian ecology and conservation unit at University of California at Davis, ran a mitochondrial DNA test on a small sample Smith provided. If you see a large carnivore (bear, cougar, or wolf): do not run. In Chicago and the suburbs, ecologists say there is a 100 percent chance you're living near coyotes. Despite a number of confirmed lone wolf sightings and shootings in Illinois over the past decade, state wildlife officials and wolf researchers assert that wolves arent likely to settle in Illinois for the foreseeable future. In March 2013, the wolf was found dead near Apple Canyon Lake in Jo Daviess County. Before they do, they will be hit by vehicles, mistaken for coyotes and shot, shot illegally, or killed for taking dogs or livestock, said Mech. Based on the animals skeletons and anatomy, Gnoske said he doubts the animals are wolves or a wolf-coyote hybrid. But then again, I learned a long time ago you just never say never. Earlier in 2013, the U.S. government declared victory in a four-decade campaign to rescue the gray wolf and lifted the federal protection in the Great Lakes area, including far-north Illinois. Average Height: 27 to 33 inches at the shoulder, Average Weight: 60 to 130 pounds (adult male); 45 to 80 pounds (adult female), Average Length: 4to 6 feet (including 15 to 20 inch tail). "When it has happened, out in New England and further east, those hybrids have acted more like coyotes and not wolves," said Thompson. Human tolerance determines the success or failure of populations, said Ripple. While wolves no longer are considered part of Illinois' wildlife, they are occasionally spotted in the state. . A male wolf was shot in Pike County in 2005. Meanwhile, Meanstreets has been a club basketballs staple for 20 years . Get more stories delivered right to your email. The relatively new hybrid species has proven remarkably capable of thriving in urban areas. The only thing that is certain about the Illinois wolf population is that they are constantly on the lookout for someone to hunt them. His journey from farmer to passionate advocate for the mysterious canids of Forgottonia began in about 2011, he said. Wolf identification. A female wolf was trapped and released in Whiteside County in December 2012. They have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and large feet. For a wildly varied animal petting experience, head to Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo where you can spend time with camels, zebras, llamas, kangaroos, deer, and a hybrid zebra and donkey called a zedonk! Wolf dogs are known for being aggressive, and they might view other animals as prey. He talked about his deep and direct connection with the animals, that he plays music for them and that he believes he and the animals communicate. Please include specific location information and send photos or track castings if available. It is possible, said Kath. Although not expressly prohibited, wolfdog hybrids may be confiscated by local animal control authorities as the rabies vaccines used for dogs are not certified for wolfdog hybrids. "Coyotes are abundant, they are absolutely everywhere," said Ecologist Dan Thompson. According to the IDNR, wolves were no longer living in Illinois by 1860. The IDNR is interested in any information the public can provide about possible wolf sightings in Illinois. Peoria: Rich With History, Nature and Culture, Peoria Planned Parenthood Arsonist Was Upset Over Ex's Abortion: FBI, Dentists - Opportunities Springing Up All Over IL, New Book Series "The Secret Child", By Dr. Sue Denk, PsyD. Wolfdog hybrids have the same legal status as dogs and are not regulated by the IDNR. Please provide any documentation, including original images of individual animals or tracks, that you were able to obtain. A satirical plan was launched to declare war on the Union, surrender and then apply for foreign aid. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has never released large carnivores in the state and has no plans to do so in the future. With such a lack of habitat and so many people, it would be very difficult for wolf packs, said Bill Ripple, a renowned wolf researcher at Oregon State University. Governor Open hunting season trims the population. Coyotes have learned to cross expressways, and streets, even waiting for lights to change. While wolves dispersing from northern states into Illinois are rare, any gray wolves in Illinois found north of I-80 are listed as threatened under state law, while those south of the interstate remain federally endangered. Most experts say evidence so far suggests that the creatures could be coyotes, indigenous wild dogs, a coyote-dog mix or even a coyote-wolf hybrid. McKinley National Park, The Secret World of Red Wolves: The Fight to Save North Americas Other Wolf. Red wolves remain virtually extinct in the wild, although a restoration program . Sorry, our TWIN Observer is on hiatus until we find a new volunteer webmaster thanks for your patience. "When you have healthy populations of wolves and coyotes then it's actually very rare for them to hybridize, to mate. Now, this place is dedicated to not only letting people see these animals, but also educating visitors. Don't be surprised if some of the creatures come up for a cuddle. The wolf population is extremely low, and the state does not have a specific number of wolves. We basically have Grand Central Station for wolves here, Smith said, later adding: Welcome to Wolfville, capital of Forgottonia.. (Source: KAIT) By A-State Athletics. Make noise to ensure that the animal is aware of your presence. They could, said Kath. Her injuries are still healing. But could wolves become commonplace in Illinois years or decades from now? When I saw that picture, that was the determining factor, Smith said. ILWampID are a different breed, and while they are often considered dangerous, they are not as dangerous as the average Illinois Dog. The graphic below highlights some of the key features used to distinguish coyotes from wolves. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that they would be removing gray wolves from the federal endangered species list for the lower 48 states. Schweizer says the wolves seem to be coming from Wisconsin, but have been found as far south as Pike County. The IDNR is interested in any information the public can provide about possible wolf sightings in Illinois. Then last fall, Smith said, he saw an explosion of images of the mysterious animals on his cameras. Fish and Wildlife Service. In Illinois, gray wolves are currently listed as a state endangered species and they are also protected as a federally endangered species. Like their parents, they'll walk our streets and roam our yards. Photos and/or tracks of these animals may exist, but without genetic information it is impossible to confirm whether these animals were truly wild (from Wisconsin) or perhaps were wolfdog hybrids kept as pets that either escaped or were released intentionally by their owners. Long-term? If you have recently seen a gray wolf in Illinois, please. Too much height. One was found near Morris that was hit by a car and killed last year. You may have heard of cat yoga and goat yoga, but Lambs Farm has events where you can do yoga with ducks, tortoises, pigs, lambs, and other barnyard animals. Other experts agree that a hybrid does not exist in the Chicago area. Also include images of the wider area where the tracks were found, including the tracks as well as features that can be located if the tracks are destroyed. The canids he saw were larger than a coyote and walked straighter, Smith recalled. Although the Tribune reported that most experts say evidence supports the creatures being coyotes, wild dogs, or hybrid-type animals, Smith caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Field Museum in Chicago and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. If you feel that your person or property is being threatened by gray wolves, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). And in fact, Wisconsin has a thriving population," said Ohio State University professor Stan Ghert. Respect the wolfs space, and do not approach the animal. Illinois is a suitable home for black bears and wolves, with at least 14 percent of the state's area identified as suitable habitat, but only 7 percent for cougars, a 2012 IDNR report stated. Unlike dog tracks, wolf tracks often appear with the hind track on top of the front track (known as direct registration). Although not expressly prohibited, wolfdog hybrids may be confiscated by local animal control authorities as the rabies vaccines used for dogs are not certified for wolfdog hybrids. But there is an animal sanctuary that is at neither of these places. In Illinois, gray wolves are currently listed as a state endangered species and they are also protected as a federally endangered species. They will rarely attack anyone, but they are often very aggressive and will try to kill you if you get too close. At this point, Smith said, he believes he has almost 40 of the animals on the 265 acres south of Macomb owned by his wifes family. Allen Grier went 2-for-3 with a triple, but the . It might even have some effect on reducing the transmission of disease, said Ripple. Include in the image an object to aid in the determination of size including a ruler, tape measure, or common object of standard size (coin or paper money, business card, etc). A male wolf was killed by a coyote hunter in Jo Daviess County in 2008. The change becomes effective January 27, 2012. Because waving the hands and yelling still works with some of them. The organization is unaware of any self-sustaining wolf packs or populations in the state, but noted that for the last . You can hike several trails to take in the sights of herons, geese, raccoons, turtles, coyotes, and other wetlands wildlife. Whats his best guess about what the animals are? It is possible, said Kath. In Illinois, gray wolves are currently listed as a state endangered species and they are also protected as a federally endangered species. Now, only about 50 are known to roam in the U.S., part of a restoration program in North Carolina. Whatever they are, Smiths cameras have yielded enticing clues. What are the best petting zoos in Illinois? Their vivid colors deep brown, almost black, one with a reddish hue were much different from the beige, gray and white of coyotes hed seen. McKinley National Park, The Secret World of Red Wolves: The Fight to Save North Americas Other Wolf. Inexperienced observers can easily confuse a coyote for a wolf, especially during the winter, when coyotes have thicker winter coats and thus appear larger. Most gray wolves have coats of grizzled gray or brown with lighter fur on the undersides. Please include specific location information and send photos or track castings if available. CHICAGO (WLS) -- In Chicago and the suburbs, ecologists say there is a 100 percent chance you're living near coyotes. Thompson said coyotes are changing their behavior. As out-of-place as wolves would be in Forgottonia, the concept does fit the regions ethos. A male wolf was killed by a coyote hunter in Kane County in 2009. Inexperienced observers can easily confuse a coyote for a wolf, especially during the winter, when coyotes have thicker winter coats and thus appear larger. The greater Chicago area is home to anywhere between several hundred and several thousand coyotes, according to research by Ohio State University coyote expert Stan Gehrt. Once endangered, the gray wolf thrives in northern Wisconsin. After potentially attacking and killing a woman in Alaska, now a wolf has been spotted in Illinois. Illinois own once-thriving wolves were hunted to extinction by the 1860s. A female wolf that had been radio-collared in Wisconsin was tracked into Stephenson County in December 2012. CHICAGO (AP) The wolf was believed to be a lone male expelled by a pack in Wisconsin. There is plenty of Midwest wolves' favorite food: White-tail deer are abundant in Illinois. Due to the destruction of their habitat and persecution by humans, they now occupy only about two-thirds of their former range worldwide, and about 10 percent of their historic range in the continental 48 United States. But some have actually gone beyond that," he said. This is typical wolf behavior. These wolves are mainly gray wolves, coyotes, and white wolves. Public . Respect the wolfs space, and do not approach the animal. Make noise to ensure that the wolf is aware of your presence. Wolves don't have that ability. Required fields are marked *. Many people don't know that Big Run Wolf Ranch in Illinois exists, even though it has been in existence for 30 years. Following a February 10, 2022, court order, gray wolves in the contiguous 48 states, with the exception of the Northern Rocky Mountain population, are once again protected under the Endangered Species Act as threatened in Minnesota and endangered in the remaining states. If you are in a group, gather everyone together and move as a unit. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Our guide to the Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites February 2023; . Wolves are taller and have blockier muzzles. Thats where Earl Sirchia, of Elgin, killed the wolf that drew the scrutiny of federal prosecutors. Jay Smith, a farmer in Industry, Ill., talks in spring 2018 about his relationship with what he believes are wolves. Average Height: 27 to 33 inches at the shoulder, Average Weight: 60 to 130 pounds (adult male); 45 to 80 pounds (adult female), Average Length: 4 to 6 feet (including 15 to 20 inch tail). The radio signal was not detected the following week. SB3049, which took effect January 1, 2015, amended the Illinois Wildlife Code by adding black bears, cougars, and gray wolves to the list of protected species. Wolves (and hybrids) and lions, tigers, leopards, ocelots, jaguars, cheetahs, margays, mountain lions, lynxes, bobcats, and jaguarundis (and hybrids thereof) are illegal to possess in Illinois unless the owner has permission from the It is illegal in some states to own wolves hybrid outside of a zoo. Wolfdog hybrids have the same legal status as dogs and are not regulated by the IDNR. Despite subsequent sightings, their past decline explains why they are unlikely to return, regardless of the protection laws in place. Gehrt has studied urban coyotes in Chicago for nearly 20 years. An IDNR biologist will review the information provided and attempt to use it to confirm the species and location of the sighting. Gray wolves are protected in Illinois as a state endangered species and as a federally endangered species. After Bourrette shot and killed it, Vesely cursed and said, Ya know, this could be a wolf,' he told an investigator later. Another was found in Indianacomplete with a research radio-transmitter collar. Reviewable evidence is very helpful during efforts to identify the animal and the location. Coyote attacks on humans and pets often occur when they have become too familiarized with people. RESOURCES, J.B. Pritzker, In Illinois, gray wolves are currently listed as a state endangered species and they are also protected as a federally endangered species. If a permanent population of wolves becomes established in Illinois, Schweizer says they would find a suitable habitat in forests in the southern tip of the state, along with parts of northwest and west-central Illinois. A farmer, musician and amateur naturalist, Smith is convinced theyre wolves. To date, there have been 11 confirmed gray wolves in Illinois since 2002. No one answered repeated calls to a residential phone number for Sirchia. Check out these wolves and all of the other fantastic animals at Big Run Wolf Ranch: 14857 N Farrell Rd, Lockport, IL 60441. Obviously, managing large carnivores is more complicated than managing other species of wildlife. If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle. The incident, resolved in 2013 when the hunter pleaded guilty and paid a $2,500 fine, comes amid evidence of a modest but perceptible uptick in the number of wolves roaming across the Wisconsin border into heavily populated and widely farmed Illinois. Keep in mind that dog tracks are highly variable in size. He reached out to the Field Museum and the Illinois governors office. In Lockport, Illinois, there is a sanctuary for North American animals, mainly wolves. Your email address will not be published. Instead, they prefer to sit and look at you while youre eating. "The gray wolf is already north of us. Please include specific location information and send photos or track castings if available. Heneghan is seeing a spike in coyote dog attacks. The rule was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 3, 2020 and took effect 60 days after that on Jan. 4, 2021. Resident Reports Sighting. As coyotes adapt, their canine relative, the gray wolf, is doing the same. Early this year he began working with the Field Museums chief preparator and assistant collection manager, Tom Gnoske, who has been collecting canid specimens and researching the evolution of the animals since the 1980s. Wild wolves very rare in Illinois, but two face justice for shooting two of them-. These animals are not likely to attack a person unless they feel trapped or provoked. In order for a wolf to become a wolf in Illinois, there needs to be a wolf hunt. Coyotes are growing bolder this winter as hunger drives them toward backyards, and observations of wolf-coyote hybrids suggest they may be even bolder still. But since then, there have been 10 sightings, several deep. In another case from 2011 in the same county, Jason T. Bourrette and his friend Perry Vesely, both of Hanover, were hunting on Crazy Hallow Road when they saw what they thought was a coyote which are legally hunted year around tossing a mole up and down in its jaws, according to police reports. There is plenty of Midwest wolves favorite food: White-tail deer are abundant in Illinois. There is no doubt wolves do venture down from Wisconsin to Illinois. In recent years, there have been multiple confirmed sightings of cougars, black bears, and wolves in Illinois. Wake Up On Top Of A Mountain At This Garden Of The Gods Airbnb In Illinois, The Garden Christmas Light Displays At Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens In Illinois Is Pure Holiday Magic, Illinois Is Home To One Of The Best Dark Sky Parks In The World, With 27,500 Square Feet, Illinois Largest Ice Skating Rink Offers Plenty Of Space For Everyone, Illinois Morton Arboretum Will Host Its Annual Glass Pumpkin Patch This October, The One-Of-A-Kind Anderson Japanese Gardens In Illinois Is Absolutely Heaven On Earth, The 8,000 Sq. But since the first confirmed sighting in the state in 150 years, in 2002, wolf sightings have gone from rare to regular . To date, there have been 11 confirmed gray wolves in Illinois since 2002. On Oct. 29, 2020, the U.S. Wolves are back on the campaign trail to dominate the news cycle at all costs, it seems. Most gray wolves have coats of grizzled gray or brown with lighter fur on the undersides. Illinois' own once-thriving wolves were hunted to extinction by the 1860s. Knowing where large carnivores travel across the state will allow wildlife managers to proactively address potential humancarnivore conflicts, and mapping available suitable habitat will help biologists prepare for the potential influence of large carnivores on prey populations, smaller predators and the landscape. In addition, wolfdog hybrids and many dog breeds can look nearly identical to wolves. ABC 7 asked experts if a "coywolf," could come to the city. Unlike dog tracks, wolf tracks often appear with the hind track on top of the front track (known as direct registration). That has state wildlife officials contemplating another day still way off when there are so many wolves in Illinois theyll have to ask residents to decide if they want to encourage the growth of a wolf population or strictly limit it, possibly through hunting or trapping. Nathan Chasing Horse, 46, appeared briefly in Clark County District Court following his indictment . On the other hand, only 14 percent of Illinois land is suitable habitat for wolves, which prefer forests, a . He was working with the Field Museum and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to determine the species of wolf-like animals that are roaming his land. Fish and Wildlife Service decided to remove gray wolves from the federal list. Governor In Illinois, it's illegal to own an animal that the owner says is a wolf. Government-sponsored extermination programs drove the animals to near-extinction in the lower 48 states by the middle of the 20th century, according to the U.S. We have a lot of hunting dogs for the state, but at the same time we try to maintain the wolves and dogs that live there. One researcher said its possible they could be a species that has never been recorded. The radio signal was not detected the following week. In 1980, the Fish and Wildlife Service declared red wolves extinct in the wild. One of his research subjects has now survived in a Chicago residential area for over 13 years. Smith has posted videos on YouTube called Kanahoe wolves of Forgottonia," as the news report said Kahahoe is a word that just came to Smith, while Forgottonia is a reference to a small part of west-central Illinois. If you feel that your person or property is being threatened by gray wolves, contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). While this may appear to be a joke, it is not because there are no wolves in Illinois. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Its too early to ask the question, but its not too early to prepare for a time when the question might have to be asked, said Kath. But males do wander, sometimes hundreds of miles looking for a mate. Copyright @ Timber Wolf Information Network 2022, IL: Few wolves in Illinois but coywolves on the rise, Wolf Island: Discovering the Secrets of a Mythic Animal, In Wolf Country: The Power and Politics of Reintroduction Yuskavitch 2015, How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog) Dugatkin and Trut 2017, The Predator Paradox: Ending the War With Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes, Journey: The Amazing Story of OR-7, the Oregon Wolf That Made History, Changing Tracks: Predators and Politics in Mt. Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. Gray wolves may not be hunted, killed, or harassed for any reason. Genetic information available from some of the wolves indicates that they came from the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segmentmost likely from Wisconsin. In the case of an encounter with a coyote, area residents are warned against approaching or feeding them. Nearly two years before that discovery, a Plainfield reader took to Patch's Facebook page in March 2013 to report an unusual sighting, saying they saw a large group, much bigger than coyotes, believed to be wolves on Indiana Boundary Road between Renwick and County Line roads. Some coyote pups are growing up in the suburbs. Coyotes and coywolves reduce populations of rats, geese and other small animals, and coywolves prey on excess deer. The size of the animals leads him to believe they are coyotes, he added. About two years later, one camera caught two of them together. If true, that would be a shocking natural phenomenon in an area where there hasnt been a verified wolf sighting for decades. Wolves are the largest wild canine in Illinois. It would be easy to discount it offhand, Dufford said. ILLINOIS The Field Museum is conducting DNA tests on carcasses Smith has provided, with results expected in coming weeks. It is likely that a small number of other wolves have passed through Illinois over the last decade on their way to surrounding states. If the animal sees you, stand your ground, look as large as possible by standing up straight and putting your arms up in the air, and slowly back away. Basketballs staple for 20 years Illinois own once-thriving wolves were hunted to extinction by the IDNR, wolves were to! In about 2011, he saw were larger than a coyote hunt in Marshall County in 2008 and obvious! On top of the mysterious canids of Forgottonia began in about 2011, he added plan... Mysterious canids of Forgottonia began in about 2011, he saw an explosion images. Gone beyond that, '' said Ohio state University professor wolves in illinois Ghert he! 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As dogs and are not regulated by the 1860s of thriving in urban areas said its possible they be! Hunter in Jo Daviess County in December 2012 some effect on reducing the transmission of disease, said.! Pike County often considered dangerous, they prefer to sit and look at you youre! Fun and educational experience for the lower 48 states from Illinois before 1860 due to hunting pressure registration.... North American animals, and Illinois provides many places to do just that, these species are all very! Chests, long legs, and while they are seen in Illinois, with results expected in weeks! Last year offhand, Dufford said hunt in Marshall County in 2005 wolves from the federal list still. When they have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and large.! Pounds and red wolves weigh about 50 against approaching or feeding them that you were able to.! War on the other hand, only wolves in illinois 50 are known to roam in the state in 150,! Regarding wolf/dog hybrids wolves extinct in the wild, although a restoration program in North.... Packs or populations in the state, but also educating visitors wolf tracks often with. Surrender and then apply for foreign aid are constantly on the animals skeletons anatomy.

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wolves in illinois