Bears, wolves, cougars protected by new Illinois law

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A new law adds black bears, gray wolves and mountain lions to Illinois' list of protected species, under the Illinois Wildlife Code.

"This measure protects biodiversity in our state and ensures that bear, wolf and mountain lion populations can grow to sustainable levels," said State Senator Linda Holmes, the measure's sponsor.

All three species still are rare in Illinois, but wildlife officials expect them to become more common and wanted a way to protect them.

Jack Darin is director of the Sierra Club's Illinois chapter. He says the possible return of the large predators "is a sign that decades of investment and effort to restore natural habitat in Illinois and the Midwest are paying off."

The Department of Natural Resources says the law will allow it to manage the animals for protection and public safety.

Wildlife officials say there has been an uptick in the number of bears, cougars and wolves entering Illinois, mostly from Wisconsin. The Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale said at least seven gray wolves, four mountain lions and two black bears have been spotted in Illinois since 2000.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed the law on Tuesday. It takes effect on Jan. 1.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.