State parks provide a unique opportunity to experience nature and observe local wildlife. You can commit to immersing yourself in the environment for a camping trip or just spend a day hiking. Being able to experience wildlife in their native habitat is a helpful reminder of the importance of conservation efforts. These parks stay clean and healthy through the efforts of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and dedicated community members alike.
We’ve highlighted some state parks and native animals you may find there. If you visit a park on our recommendation, share a photo of on social media and tag the Wildlife Medical Clinic – we would love to take part in your adventure, too!
Bald Eagle – Starved Rock
This park is known for being a home to bald eagles! They flock to this state park during winter months to feast on plentiful fish. They’re not the only wildlife you can look for here. There are miles of trails passing waterfalls, canyons and cliffs. Each of these features creates the ideal habitat for a particular type of animal, so make sure to explore them all!
A species you might spot at any of these parks is white-tailed deer. When fawns are young, like the one in this photo, they hide in tall grass or among foliage to stay safe. They are dappled to resemble sunlight, have no natural scent, and can stay extremely still for hours to avoid predation. To avoid drawing predators to the area, the mother will not approach while you or any natural predators are in the area. Despite this, she is diligent in the care of her young.
White Tailed Deer – Matthiessen
Known for its rock formations, Matthiessen park hosts a variety of ecosystems. White-tailed deer take advantage of the wooded forest’s cover and the nearby prairie’s abundant food sources. For this reason, it was called Deer Park before it became a state park. Deer tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, so if you want to catch a peak it is best to time your explorations accordingly. Continue reading →
