Snapping turtles have existed for about 90 million years and lived with the dinosaurs. There are two snapping turtle species – the alligator and the common snapping turtle. The common snapping turtle can live up to 30 years in the wild and have a bite force of 210 newtons on average. However, they are no danger to swimmers. Their body is larger than their shells which offers less retractability for protection. Snapping turtles are omnivores and prefer shallow water with muddy

Muskrats are social aquatic rodents often mistaken for beavers or otters. They have long, scaly tails that act as rudders, webbed feet, and waterproof fur. Smaller than beavers, they build lodges or burrows near water and can swim up to 3 mph. Male muskrats use a musky odor from their scent glands to communicate and to warn intruders. They splash their tails to warn of danger and have adapted to live in the water. Muskrats are omnivores and prefer marshes and wetland habitats

The world is home to 40 wildcat species, but only one, the bobcat, lives in Illinois. They are more prevalent in the southern part of the state. Bobcats prefer forested areas with a dense understory that are near open areas where they can hunt. A bobcat’s fur’s color helps them blend in with their habitat. They can look similar to domesticated cats and are commonly mistaken for lynx. Bobcats can run up to 30 mph during short sprints and are great stalkers. They often live sol

Redspotted sunfish, often called stumpknockers, come from a large family and are small freshwater fish with orange (males) or yellowish-brown spots (females). They prefer calm, plant-filled river backwaters. However, pollution, habitat loss, and invasive species led to their decline in Illinois, making them a state endangered species by 2009. Conservation efforts have helped - over 17,000 have been reintroduced, improving their status to threatened.

Robins are familiar birds with orange breasts, found across the U.S. year-round. Though known for eating worms, they also eat insects and fruit. Males and females look similar, with females slightly paler. They breed early, often having multiple broods. Their cheerful song is a sign of spring, though many robins stay quiet in winter. Named after European robins, they’re common in yards and parks and are part of the thrush family.

Once endangered in Illinois, river otters now live statewide thanks to conservation efforts. These playful animals are built for swimming but spend much time on land. They dive, slide, and teach pups survival through play. Often confused with sea otters, river otters are smaller and more land-based. They eat fish, frogs, and crayfish to fuel their high metabolism and use their whiskers to detect prey underwater.

Eastern milk snakes, Illinois' official state snake since 2022, are harmless, non-venomous constrictors found in fields, woodlands, or river bottoms. They’re active from April through November, mostly at night, and feed on prey no bigger than them. Farmers once blamed these snakes for their low milk production, accusing them of drinking their cow’s milk, hence their name. They’re shy and pose no threat to humans unless provoked. Look for their blotchy gray and brown “checkere

American minks are nocturnal, solitary and semiaquatic carnivores found near waterways across all of Illinois. Often mistaken for beavers or muskrats, they resemble weasels with dark brown fur and a white chin patch. Minks will purr, hiss, and use chemical signals to communicate. They can secrete foul-smelling liquid when scared or excited. They are fast, fierce, and able to swim and climb. Though few predators hunt them, humans remain their biggest threat.