#Illinois

Insects • October 15, 2025

8 Stinging Insects You Need to Watch For in Illinois (Identification Guide)

When you step outside during Illinois summers, you’re entering territory shared with some of nature’s most efficient defenders. While over 500 bee species call Illinois home, along with numerous wasps and hornets, not all of them pose the same level of threat. The key difference? Some will only sting when directly threatened, while others become […]

Ekokotu Emmanuel Eguono • December 12, 2025

Birds • October 14, 2025

Yellow Birds in Illinois: 14 Species You Can Identify in Your Backyard

Illinois supports over 450 documented bird species, but only a select group displays the brilliant yellow plumage that catches your eye during backyard birdwatching sessions. These yellow birds in Illinois represent some of the most rewarding species to observe, from the year-round American Goldfinch that brightens winter feeders to the seasonal warblers that fill spring […]

Lydia Oyelakin • December 12, 2025

Birds • September 30, 2025

6 Hummingbird Species You Can Spot in Chicago (Yes, Really)

You’re relaxing in your Chicago backyard when a flash of iridescent green catches your eye. Before you can focus, it’s hovering at your feeder, wings beating so fast they’re just a blur. Most Chicagoans assume that’s a ruby-throated hummingbird—and they’re usually right. But here’s what surprises even seasoned birders: six different hummingbird species have been […]

Happiness Ibietela • September 30, 2025

Insects • September 23, 2025

3 Common Earwig Species Found in Illinois Homes and Gardens

You might be surprised to learn that Illinois is home to over 20 different earwig species, but only three regularly make their way into your home and garden spaces. These nocturnal insects, with their distinctive pincer-like appendages called cerci, often cause unnecessary alarm among homeowners who mistake them for dangerous pests. Understanding which species you’re […]

Abdullahi Qaadir • September 23, 2025

Features • September 16, 2025

What Wild Animals Live in Chicago: Your Complete Urban Wildlife Guide

You might be surprised to learn that over 2,000 coyotes currently call Chicago home, making the Windy City one of North America’s most wildlife-rich urban environments. From downtown predators navigating busy streets to forest preserve mammals thriving in green corridors, what wild animals live in chicago extends far beyond the pigeons and squirrels you see […]

Animal of Things • September 16, 2025

Dogs • August 29, 2025

Dog Breed Restrictions in Illinois: A Practical Guide for Owners

Dog owners in Illinois face a complex web of rules that can vary dramatically from one city to the next. While some states have blanket bans on certain breeds, Illinois takes a different approach that creates both opportunities and challenges for pet owners. Illinois prohibits statewide breed-specific legislation, but local cities and counties can still […]

Animal of Things • August 29, 2025

Features • August 19, 2025

How to Identify Venomous Animals in Illinois Before You Encounter Them

Despite Illinois’s reputation for abundant wildlife, you’ll be relieved to know that venomous animals in illinois are surprisingly limited—just four species pose any real threat. While the Prairie State hosts over 500 spider species and dozens of snake varieties, only a handful can actually harm you. Understanding how to identify these creatures before an unexpected […]

Osemhenon Ikpea • August 19, 2025

Birds • August 16, 2025

Orange Birds in Illinois in Spring: Complete Migration Timeline

Spring migration transforms Illinois into a vibrant corridor for orange birds, with over 10 million birds crossing the state annually during peak season. You’ll witness some of North America’s most spectacular orange-colored species as they journey northward, each arriving with precise timing that creates predictable viewing opportunities from March through June. Understanding when and where […]

Emmanuella Oluwafemi • August 16, 2025

Birds • August 11, 2025

15 Beautiful Birds With Long Tails You’ll Spot in Illinois (Identification Guide)

Illinois harbors more than 450 bird species, yet few features capture attention quite like an elegantly extended tail trailing through prairie skies. Whether you’re scanning your backyard feeders or exploring state parks, you’ll discover that birds with long tails in Illinois represent some of the most striking and distinctive species in the region. From the […]

Joy Oyelakin • August 11, 2025

Dogs • July 21, 2025

15 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Illinois: Perfect Companions for Every Lifestyle

Illinois families are falling head-over-heels for French Bulldogs at record rates—a breed that didn’t even crack the top 10 just a decade ago. Whether you’re navigating Chicago’s bustling streets or enjoying suburban Naperville’s parks, choosing the right canine companion involves more than just picking the cutest face at the shelter. The popular dog breeds in […]

Adenaya Damilola • July 21, 2025