Blue isn’t a very popular color in the animal kingdom. When we think of blue animals, a few birds usually come to mind: blue jays, great blue herons, indigo ...

To fly without wings takes guts. Would you do it? Of course not! But it’s something flying squirrels do every night as they glide through the treetops of Wil...

Bobcats live throughout our state, although they are much more common in the southern counties of Illinois. No matter where they live, they are masters of so...

Illinois was once home to one of the most interesting and confusing animals — the Tullimonstrum gregarium, known as the Tully monster. You would have to trav...

The striped skunk is one of the most recognizable mammals in our area. They are known for their signature black and white stripes and their smelly defense te...

Springtime brings in new life all around. Frogs call out from the wetlands, songbirds sing from the treetops and wildflowers break through the forest floor. ...

There are many signs that spring has sprung, and one of the loudest is a tiny little frog known as the spring peeper. This frog is very aptly named because t...

Have your parents or your teachers ever told you you’re acting squirrelly? They mean you’re being a little hyper or overactive. The word, of course, is deriv...

Three different species of swans call Will County home at least for a little while each year. Swans are large white birds with long necks, short legs and web...

Looking for signs of life in February? Check out a bird feeder or look out the window. You’ll be delighted to see all kinds of birds flitting around, includi...

The sight of a deer in the distance often makes us stop in our tracks to admire these creatures from afar. But be still and quiet, because white-tailed deer ...

Did you know the animated cartoon character Woody the Woodpecker shares many of the same characteristics as a pileated woodpecker? Better yet, did you know t...

Raccoons are one of the most common animals in Illinois. They are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. We don’t often see them during daylight. S...

Have you ever heard of a muskrat? Maybe, but have you ever seen one? Muskrats are a common animal in Illinois, but they aren’t seen as frequently as other co...

The northern cardinal is probably the most recognizable bird in Illinois. The male cardinals sport a bright red coat that doesn’t fade, even in the winter. B...

Have you spotted a big bird sitting on your roof or a telephone pole or flying overhead? Do you know what kind of bird it is? A hawk would be a good guess, b...

The American white pelican will catch your eye because of its snowy white feathers and bright orange feet and bills. The birds don’t live in Illinois all yea...

Many people are surprised to discover that the American mink resides in Will County, but as long as there is a source of water, minks are probably nearby. How...

A snake with a royal name may make you think it’s special or out of the ordinary, but queen snakes are actually quite common. They are one of many snakes fou...

Welcome fall! The animals in Will County are using this time to get ready for winter. Groundhogs, deer, squirrels and chipmunks all start eating more, bulkin...