Nuisance Animal Removal Permits for Illinois

If you live in Illinois and you’ve had it up here with a raccoon killing your chickens, then you have a new way to get a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit (NARP). We call it WILD—wild.wildlifeillinois.org.

This is a timesaver for citizens and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources alike. In the past, District Wildlife Biologists had to review, approve, track, and receive a report on each and every permit. Biologists spent thousands of hours in this activity every year.

Now, citizens apply through an online questionnaire that determines if the species is eligible, if correct conditions are satisfied, and the legal obligations are acknowledged. In many cases, the permit is issued automatically (see screenshots below). Other applications are routed to the appropriate District Wildlife Biologist for review. The applicant receives an email when the permit is approved, with a reminder of the details. Permit holders are required to report online within 30 days whether they have disposed of or relocated any animals. Automatic email reminders are sent if someone forgets.

We also support citizens who may not have access to the internet by allowing biologists to create a permit on behalf of a citizen. Later, that citizen is able to create an online account and get access to their permits.

Creating a tool that gives the dedicated wildlife biologists of Illinois thousands more hours for their valuable work in the field is enormously satisfying. Three years in development, the challenges have been rewarding, educational, and fun.

The new WILD site is a proud addition to the portfolio of web properties and tools we have developed over 10 years with the IDNR Wildlife Division and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. Web properties like Wildlife Illinois, Hunt Illinois and Outdoor Illinois Journal help thousands of visitors per month learn about wildlife, solve problems, and participate in hunting and responsible population management. This work is some of our most worthwhile and enduring.

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The citizen can open an account, or a Wildlife Biologist can create an account on their behalf:

The request begins with a questionnaire:

The permit is delivered electronically:

Permits can be accessed later through the WILD account: