(WAND) – Wildlife officials are working to see whether armadillos are inching their territory northward in Illinois.
They are an established species in southern Illinois. But officials with the Forest Preserve District of Will County is now asking people to report any sightings of the animal in central or northern Illinois, especially in areas north of Springfield.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is examining whether armadillos are moving northward, with climate change potentially impacting the effective northern end of their habitat.
Armadillos do not hibernate and are only able to live in regions where the annual temperature remains above 28 degrees year-round.
IDNR is also looking to receive reports on larger predators like gray wolves, cougars, or black bears. Multiple sightings have been reported in recent years.
None of the animals are native to Illinois, but are active in neighboring states.
Feral swine, nutria and fishers are also on the list of animals the IDNR is seeking information on sightings of.
All forms for those sightings can be found on the IDNR website.
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