Fennec foxes, the world’s smallest foxes, live in the Sahara Desert and stay cool with large ears that release heat and with their fast-breathing rate. Weighing 2 to 3 pounds, they are nocturnal, hunting insects, rodents and plants at night. Their sandy-colored fur acts as camouflage, helping them hide from predators. Fennec foxes are monogamous and raise kits in burrows. Though often near others, they are solitary and rely on adaptations to thrive in harsh environments.

Frog and toad eggs in Will County are laid underwater in jelly-like clusters to stay moist. Each egg has a yolk that feeds the growing tadpole. Tadpoles hatch with a tiny tail, mouth and gills, later growing legs and switching from algae to meat as they become froglets. The numbers of eggs laid and the time it takes to grow into adults depends on the frog’s species.

The black-crowned night heron is a short, stocky, mostly nocturnal wetland bird. Once common in Illinois, it’s now endangered in the state due to habitat loss. These herons hunt at night, except during breeding season where they hunt during the say. They breed in colonies and care for their young together. Though rare locally, they live on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. A large colony now lives at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, helping scientists learn how to p

As spring commences, turtles begin to emerge from winter brumation. Isle a la Cache lagoon is a great place to spot species like painted turtles, snapping turtles, red-eared sliders and map turtles. Walk quietly and use binoculars to see them basking in the sun. Watch for nesting turtles crossing roads in May and June during breeding season. Rare Blanding’s turtles, with bright yellow necks, can also be seen at Isle a la Cache Museum. It's always a good day when you see a tur

Eastern chipmunks are small ground squirrels found in eastern North America’s forests. Active during the day, they don’t fully hibernate but rest in burrows and emerge to forage on milder winter days. They use their cheek pouches to carry food and store it in underground caches. Chipmunks eat fruits, seeds, insects and more. They communicate with high-pitched calls and prefer to stay near their burrows to avoid predators.

Spotted turtles are tiny, hand-sized turtles with yellow spots on their top shell. They live in the eastern U.S.’s wetlands, including parts of Illinois. They eat insects, frogs and plants, and often bring their food into water to eat. These turtles like to bask on logs but hide from extreme heat. Spotted turtles are endangered in Illinois, so if you see one in spring, you’re lucky – just be careful as they may cross roads, especially during mating season.

Harpy eagles, relatives of bald eagles, are large birds found in the rainforests of South America. Known for their sharp talons and powerful wings, they are apex predators that hunt animals like monkeys and sloths. They mate for life and raise one chick every few years. Harpy eagles are Panama’s national bird, the symbol of biodiversity in Ecuador and the Colombian Air force’s emblem. Now vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting, conservation efforts aim to protect them.

A spring hike at McKinley Woods — Frederick’s Grove offers a slow-paced, sensory-rich experience full of wildflowers, birds and scenic views. The 1.35-mile Trail of the Old Oaks includes steep inclines and muddy spots, so boots are recommended. For a gentler route, try the Upland Trail. Visit nearby Kerry Sheridan Grove and Four Rivers Environmental Education Center for more trails, river views and interactive nature exhibits.