SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— The hunting and trapping season for gray fox is being closed effective immediately.
This is due to surveys and preliminary results of current research, all indicating a substantial decline in the distribution and abundance of the species over the last decade. Though Illinois isn’t known for harvesting a large number of grey foxes, the closure of the season hopes to put less pressure on the animal. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said it plans to continue annual surveys and evaluate the population in the state.
On June 30, the governor of Illinois passed a law that changed the language of the Illinois Wildlife Code, allowing DNR to open the hunting season by administrative rule. The bill was a DNR initiative with backing from conservation groups and legislators, and they were able to file for the closing of the season on July 9.
Most research shows that the decline in the population is most likely due to diseases such as canine distemper and competition from other canids like coyotes. Though hunters don’t seem to be the major cause, most hunting groups are in support of letting the species grow.
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