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WILD ANIMALS. 
There are very few wild animals in the State of Illinois that are 
in the class of game animals or fur-bearing animals. Illinois being a 
prairie state, it has never furnished a home for any considerable number 
of wild animals. 
At the present time there are a few deer in the southern part of 
the State. Occasionally a bear is seen in the wild bottom lands of the 
Mississippi River, but neither of these animals are of sufficient conse- 
quence to the State to require much consideration at the hands of the 
commission. Deer are protected, and in those parts of the State where 
Rabbit (Cotton Tail). 
there is sufficient woodland to attract these animals, they are likely to 
multiply. But we may never expect to see deer plentiful in the State 
of Illinois. 
Of the smaller variety of animals, we have the squirrels and the 
rabbit. The squirrel is very hardy and well able to care for himself if 
given the opportunity. Where there is even a small amount of woodland 
these busy little fellows are to be found. Under a good system of pro- 
tection they are likely to hold their present status. 
Rabbits are numerous in all parts of the State, and while they are 
not regarded by law as a game animal, and are without legal protection, 
they nevertheless furnish good sport for the hunter and add materially 
to the food supply of the State. 
