Seagulls live all over the world and are common in Illinois. Learn why these smart birds love water, parking lots, and leftover food.

Sea otters are amazing ocean mammals related to river otters in North America. Learn how they float, use rocks as tools, stay warm with thick fur and how conservation helped bring them back from near extinction.

Cooper's hawks are one of our many local hawk species. These fast, fierce birds are at home in our forests, where they are able to zip through the trees with ease.

About 200 years ago, porcupines were common in Illinois. That's no longer the case, but you don't have to go far to find them in the wild. Learn all about these prickly creatures and why they no longer live in Illinois.

In the bird world, there are many different kinds of ducks. There are dozens of species of warblers, and there are a lot of different owls. But there are only two turkeys. One of those — the wild turkey — is well-known to us in the eastern United States. The other — the ocellated turkey — is not so familiar. The ocellated turkey looks sort of like a technicolor version of the turkey we are familiar with.

Rough-legged hawks may not be the most recognizable hawk in Will County, but they are one of the most interesting.

The American coot is far from one of the most well-known waterfowl out there, but winter is when its presence really becomes known. An American coot. (Photo via Shutterstock) American coots are dark, duck-like birds that are about 15 inches long. Read the five facts below to get more familiar with this adorable waterfowl.    Not a duck Although American coots look like ducks, they are part of a group a marsh birds called rails. The rail family is diverse and consists of many

Coyotes are an important part of the ecosystem, and their presence across Illinois is beneficial. Their main ecosystem role is keeping the population of small mammals like rodents and rabbits in check.