In the heron family of birds, great egrets and great blue herons get a lot of attention, but there’s another heron that’s worth getting...

In North America, the rodent family of mammals is a big one. It includes everything from big beavers to tiny pygmy shrews. Somewhere in...

As the weather warms, it’s common to see more and more turtles basking in the sun. You might be able to recognize the size of a snapping...

Editor’s note: Our Wild Relatives story series will explore the connections between our local wildlife species and related animals from...

Did you know that after humans, beavers are the species that have the largest impact on their environment? If you have taken a walk in...

American badgers are one of many burrowing mammals that live across northern Illinois. They are easy to identify thanks to the bold...

You’re out in a field after dark. You see the outline of a barn in the distance. Stars twinkle overhead. All is quiet and calm. Suddenly,...

A large white bird out on the water is most likely a swan. Here in Illinois, we see three different swan species: mute swans, tundra...

Have you ever seen a weasel? Weasels aren't rare critters, but they are unfamiliar to most people because they are not often seen even in...

Mother Nature is currently accepting resumes for the following position: underground support.   Position includes long hours digging...

When you walk around our local lakes, ponds and rivers, there is a good chance you will see mallards in and around the water. They are...

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a squirrel? It turns out there are flying squirrels, but they don’t fly like birds and bats do. These...

Is that an owl flying over that grassland? Close! It’s the most owl-like hawk around: the northern harrier. They are great fun to watch...

Skunks are more than just stink and stripes. There's probably a lot you don't know about them, including about their well-known defense mech

They are playful, intelligent and devoted to family. They care for their sick, educate their young and have complex social lives. Are we...

It’s spooky season! Look at all the spiderwebs, bones and bats decorating your neighborhood.  Why not learn about the actual animals that...

As you walk along a pond or river trail, it’s common to see and hear evidence of animals nearby — water rings where a fish just jumped,...

Don't swat next time you see what you think is a giant mosquito. Get a good look instead because it might not be a mosquito at all....

When you think of turtles, what comes to mind? You might first think of their hard, protective shells. Or maybe you think about how...

Who is that yellow, black and white patterned spider you found in your yard? It’s big, has eight long legs and an unusual web, and it is...