New Illinois Law Addresses Mountain Lions, Black Bears, and Grey Wolves

Dave Dahl -- Illinois Radio Network

Remember the black bear’s odyssey through Northern Illinois earlier this year?

A new law which sets out where the bear and other wild animals fit in Illinois aims to protect both animals and people.

Department of Natural Resources spokesman Chris Young says the black bear, grey wolf and mountain lion will be under the Illinois Wildlife Code, “which gives the department the authority to draw up some protocols and develop a management plan for these species if and when they are seen in the state.”

Young says the animals are supposed to be kept wild.  They’re not around much as it is, so most people won’t see one in Illinois.

He says you’re not to hunt the animals, but you may take a bear or lion if it is on your property.