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.