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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Illinois Legislators Vote For Bobcat Hunting

Flickr user / docentjoyce "Bobcat - Lynx rufus" (CC BY 2.0)

Illinois lawmakers voted to create a bobcat hunting season.

The once-threatened species rebounded to the point the state's Department of Natural Resources says there are too many. Supporters say Illinois needs a bobcat hunting season to manage their growth.

Senator Dave Koehler, a Peoria Democrat, says this is a way to bring their numbers under control.

"Prevent starvation, overaggressive animals from having to survive ... that hunters are really used as part of a management tool."

But environmentalists say there is no evidence the animals caused destruction and reports of a population boom are exaggerated. Bobcat hunts would begin next November unless the governor vetoes the legislation.

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