Illinois Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5) protects native birds, nests, and eggs, including raptors and migratory species. Forest Preserve District of Cook County rules ban harming wildlife in preserves, and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act layers on top.
The Illinois Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5) protects virtually every native bird species in Cook County, prohibiting taking, possessing, or harassing birds, nests, or eggs without an Illinois Department of Natural Resources permit. Raptors and migratory songbirds receive enhanced protection that mirrors the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In Cook County's 70,000 acres of forest preserves, FPDCC rules separately ban harming wildlife and prohibit firearm discharge. CCDARC handles dead-bird and rabies-vector calls; IDNR conservation police handle bird-specific enforcement. Illinois also bans lead shot in many waterfowl areas to protect raptors and waterfowl from secondary poisoning.
Killing or harassing protected birds, or destroying active nests, can mean misdemeanor or felony charges under 520 ILCS 5 plus federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act exposure. FPDCC violations add separate forest-preserve citations, fines, and possible criminal referral to IDNR.
See how Des Plaines's bird protection rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.