SPRINGFIELD – Emergency situations caused by some “nuisance” animals in and around communities could be more quickly resolved by local officials thanks to legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and approved by the General Assembly.
Senate Bill 1745 amends the Wildlife Code to exempt drainage districts and road districts from the requirement to obtain a state permit to control nuisance muskrats or beavers. All applicable provisions for licenses must be met, and proper trap types and sizes must be used.
“Although typically found in the wild, muskrats and beavers can for many reasons become destructive in community settings,” Tracy said. “This new law will help local officials more quickly address situations involving nuisance muskrats and beavers, which may be damaging property such as buildings, crops, gardens, public parks, or hurting pets and livestock.”
The 50th District Senator said Senate Bill 1745 allows local officials to forgo the permit process, abate the situation resulting from the nuisance muskrats and beavers, and then submit a report of action taken to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Approved by a 110-0 vote of the House of Representatives on May 9, and a 55-0 vote of the Senate on March 30, Senate Bill 1745 now moves to the Governor’s desk for consideration.