Gray Wolf Sightings Reported in Illinois Despite Said Extinction

Photo byM. ZonderlingonUnsplash

SPRINGFIELD, IL - Although gray wolves were declared extinct in Illinois in the 1800s, occasional sightings continue to be reported across the state. Gray wolves, once common throughout Illinois, were extirpated due to hunting and habitat loss as European settlers expanded.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, despite their disappearance, individual wolves from neighboring states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota have occasionally wandered into Illinois, sparking renewed interest in the species.

Gray wolves are large predators, with adults weighing between 70 and 120 pounds. They are known for their bushy tails, long muzzles, and sharp senses of sight, smell, and hearing, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Historically, these animals hunted in packs and thrived in Illinois’ forests and plains, feeding on a variety of prey species.

Though classified as endangered in Illinois, the species was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2020. However, due to Illinois' endangered species listing process, the gray wolf will remain protected in the state until at least 2025, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

As the state continues to evaluate the species’ status, reports of gray wolves venturing into Illinois remind us that this once-common predator still has a presence, albeit rare, in the state.