Illinois Bobcat FoundationA registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in the state of Illinois
HB3399 passed in the House 104-1 earlier today and now heads to the Governor for a signature! This bill expands the closed areas for bobcat hunting and reduces the number of available permits.
Thank you to everyone that worked on this bill, especially Senator Harmon!
Our goal is to protect and promote awareness concerning the welfare of the bobcat (Lynx rufus) in the State of Illinois.
Illinois Bobcat Foundation
PO Box 246
Lake Forest, IL 60045
- Native bobcats have a vital ecological role
- Communities/humans coexist with wildlife
- Science leads bobcat conservation efforts
- Legislation prevents the mismanagement of bobcats
The bobcat is the only native cat of Illinois. Bobcats, named for their short, bobbed tail, are about twice the size of a common house cat. They use their keen sight and hearing to hunt rabbits, squirrels, small rodents and some birds. They are nocturnal, reclusive animals that prefer forested or wooded areas. In 2014, legislation was introduced to remove the ban on trapping/hunting bobcat. The first season in over 40 years was underway by November 2016. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) estimates the bobcat population has grown to 5,000 statewide, mostly in southern regions.