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The Northern Cardinal, with its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest, is a sight to behold. It’s no wonder this bird was chosen as the official state bird of Illinois in 1929 (ref).
The majestic white-tailed deer, with its reddish-brown coat and distinctive white tail, is a common sight across Illinois. But it wasn’t always this way. In the early 1900s, unregulated hunting and habitat loss nearly wiped out the state’s deer population (ref).
The monarch butterfly, with its striking orange and black wings, is a beloved sight in Illinois. In fact, the monarch was designated as the official state insect in 1975 (ref).
The red fox, with its striking red coat and bushy tail, is a clever and adaptable animal that can be found throughout Illinois (ref). These small canids are most active at night and are known for their intelligence and cunning hunting skills.