Why Does Illinois Suddenly Care If Residents See An Armadillo?

Did you notice what that road kill you just drove by was?

There are for sure some animals you may see in Illinois that give you pause. As NBC Chicago reports, authorities want to know if Illinois residents see gray wolves, black bears, or cougars (not the ones in the bars).

And the Illinois DNR wants to know if you happen to spot a common roadside critter: armadillos.

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When we think of states with the distinct-looking 9-banded armadillos, we probably all think of Texas. But armadillos have long been established in southern Illinois, after they crossed the Mississippi River in the 1940's.

Right, so why does IDNR care?

If you see an armadillo in northern Illinois, especially in parts north of Springfield, you're asked to report it to IDNR because they're trying to see if armadillos are moving north as part of climate change's potential effect on the northern part of their habitat.

The wolves, cougars, black bears, and armadillos aren't native to Illinois but they are native to states bordering Illinois.

According to Forest Preserve District of Will County, armadillos don't hibernate and can only live somewhere with an annual temperature above 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

Besides the armadillos, the Illinois DNR wants to know if you see nutria (which is a rat-looking thing), wild pigs, or fishers too (those almost look like small cats and live in forests). If you do come across an armadillo or any of the animals listed, you can report the sighting on Illinois DNR's website.

Can You Pass The U.S. Citizenship Test?

Many immigrants who want to become citizens of the U.S. have a lot of knowledge they need to know before being granted citizenship. As a naturally born citizen of the U.S., you probably think you know it all, but do you?

During the naturalization interview, a civics test is given. The civics test is an oral test and the USCIS Officer will ask the applicant up to 10 of the many civics questions below. An applicant must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass the civics portion of the naturalization test. Think you can get at least 60% correct? Let's find out.

Gallery Credit: Connor Kenney