(Continued) Back into the Wild North American River Otter Once common in Illinois, habitat degradation and unregulated harvests caused populations of River Otter to decline dramatically by the mid-1800s and by the early 1900s they were considered rare in Illinois. Although, they were protected from hunting and trapping beginning in 1929, sightings were still uncommon. In 1989 otters were listed as state endangered, and IDNR developed recovery strategies that included reintroducing them into suitable habitats. More than 300 wild otters obtained from Louisiana were released into Wabash, Kaskaskia and Illinois River basins in 1994 -1997. Biologists American Black Bear closely monitored their population growth, and by 2004 they were American Black Bears were once common in Illinois but due to removed from state endangered status. By 2009 the state’s otter excessive, unregulated hunting were extirpated by 1870. There is population was estimated to be at least 11,000 individuals. currently no known resident population of black bear in Illinois. River otters currently live in every county in There are no plans to reintroduce black bears into Illinois, but Illinois, including McHenry County. Because the potential exists for individuals from Wisconsin and Missouri they are primarily nocturnal, sightings are not populations to travel into Illinois. If black bears enter McHenry common but signs of their presence like otter County, they would very likely be coming from Wisconsin. The scat, slides and footprints in mud and snow current Wisconsin population is estimated to be over 24,000 can be found in riparian zones. individuals with a higher density in the northern third of the state Pictured right: District trail cameras captured a family and lower densities southward. Currently, Wisconsin Department of otters along Nippersink Creek in Glacial Park. of Natural Resources manages the population size through American Beaver regulated hunting. Before European settlers, Black bear populations are expanding in much of North America American Beaver shaped the due in part to their ability to live in human-dominated landscapes. North American landscape. They can live successfully in fragmented agricultural landscapes Their dams and damming using small forest woodlots for food and cover. To date, there activities created meadows and have been several sightings of black bear in Illinois beginning John D. Kavc ponds which were 昀椀lled with in 2008 according to IDNR. A change made to the Illinois Wildlife lush vegetation and stands of young willows that provided food Code in 2015 protects large carnivores such as black bears. It and habitat for other wildlife. states that black bears may not be hunted, killed or harassed In addition, their dams often prevented bank erosion and unless there is imminent threat to person or property. maintained water sources in times of drought. Beaver meat Be Bear Aware— Is it possible McHenry County could have a was also an important food for Native Americans. resident black bear population? Not very likely soon, but transient When European settlers arrived, they discovered that beaver were individuals may cross into McHenry County from Wisconsin. In easy to trap; their meat and pelts became a valued commodity. the event of a black bear encounter: Do not surprise the bear. In colonial America beaver fur trade was closely tied into the Make noise to ensure it’s aware of your presence. Do not run and economic prosperity and viability of the colonies and exchange do not approach the animal. Look as large as possible by standing of furs often sustained the colonies' economic systems. America up straight and putting your arms up in the air while slowly was a major supplier of fur pelts for the garment trades of Europe. backing away, talking in a loud voice as you go. If a black bear is The demand for fur became so high, beavers were almost reported in your area, bird feeders and grills should be stored trapped to extinction by the early 20th century. Beavers are inside at night or when not in use, food residue should be cleaned thought to have been extirpated from Illinois by the early up and garbage should be secured. The Illinois and Wisconsin 1900s. IDNR reintroduced beaver into Illinois in the late 1920s and Department of Natural Resources continue to monitor and record continuing into the early 1950s. bear sightings, trail cam photos and any known movements. Today beavers are common throughout Illinois, including McHenry Online resources on living with black bears include: bearwise.org; County. They are primarily nocturnal, but beaver dams and lodges wildlifeillinois.org/sightings/large-carnivores/black-bear/ can be seen in many waterways and wetlands in the county. While these success stories are encouraging, our work is not done— We need to continue our e昀昀orts to preserve critical habitat for all species and promote healthy ecosystems. At a time when pesticide use is higher than ever, both in agricultural and home garden use, let’s not forget our less charismatic wildlife species that need our help, especially insects. Both omnivores and carnivores depend on insects to eat and to feed lower trophic level prey for higher trophic level species such as raptors. Insects are critical food sources for nesting birds to feed their young. The loss of insects impacts all wildlife species. The loss of pollinator insects also reduces the viability of some plant species. Mosquito fogging is marketed to kill mosquitoes without mentioning the impacts to other insects with this non-target, general insecticide. We may have forgotten the lessons learned in Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” but if this trend towards eliminating 6 insects continues, we will have no choice but to respond before it is too late.