Sangamon County, IL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit source
- Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources
- Local rule
- Skunks/raccoons: no relocation, must be euthanized
- Exemption
- Licensed furbearer trapping
- Applies in
- Sangamon County properties
Summary
Removing nuisance wildlife from your Sangamon County property requires an Illinois DNR license or a licensed nuisance-wildlife trapper, and trapped skunks and raccoons cannot be relocated.
Any person wishing to remove nuisance wildlife from his or her property must obtain a license or permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or hire a properly licensed or permitted individual or corporation for nuisance wildlife removal.
Relocation of trapped animals is permitted in accordance with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulations. Skunks and raccoons shall be brought to the Sangamon County Animal Control Center for euthanasia and shall not be relocated.
This section does not apply to furbearer trapping as regulated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
(Res. No. 9, 8-9-2011)
Full Breakdown
County code requires anyone who wants to remove nuisance wildlife from their own property to either hold an Illinois Department of Natural Resources license or permit, or hire an individual or company that holds one. Trapped animals may be relocated under IDNR rules, with one local exception: skunks and raccoons must be brought to the Sangamon County Animal Control Center for euthanasia and may not be relocated. The section doesn't reach licensed furbearer trapping, which IDNR regulates separately.
Violations & Fines
No standalone fine is listed for this section; removal without the required IDNR license or a hired licensed trapper falls back to the chapter's general penalty of $50 to $800 under § 6.04.091.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trap and relocate a nuisance raccoon myself?
Does this cover licensed fur trapping?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sangamon County
Compare Sangamon County to another location·View the Illinois animal ordinances overview
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