Animals

After being counted, measured and sexed, tiger salamanders in the St. Charles Park monitoring program are released in their  breeding pond.  The presence of a healthy population of salamanders is an indicator of a healthy habitat.

Good Natured: Salamander Season

​My three-year-old self couldn't believe her eyes...
Handler – Lt. Michael Wilgosiewicz with Arko

Kane County Sheriff’s Office Announces the Passing of Decorated K9 Arko

​It is with a heavy heart that the Kane County Sheriff's Office announ...
Odorous house ants' natural habitat is outdoors but, drawn by easy access to food and shelter, they often find their way into homes. Credit:  Wirestock

Good Natured: Odorous House Ant Part 2

​With Illinois' General Primary just around the corner, I'm inclined t...
Small bordering on teensy, Tapinoma sessile measures just under 1/8-in. in length.  Pictured here next to a toothpick, it's an ant that shows up regularly in houses each spring.

Good Natured: Odorous House Ant

​Every year or so, right around this time, the dedicated staff at Good...
Meet Jani!

Kane County Animal Control Pet of the Week - Jani

​“Histories are more full of examples of the fidelity of dogs than of ...
Smaller than most geese, the Ross's goose is an unusual sighting in Kane County.  Photo credits: Gordon Garcia

Good Natured: The Ross's Goose

​It's that time of year again folks—spring waterfowl migration...
This hairy woodpecker, identified by the size of its bill rather than its plumage, this winter has been an infrequent visitor to a birdfeeder in Campton Township. Credit:  Leslie Martin

Good Natured: Color Conundrum in Birds

​Last week when we took a look at the life and times of the hairy wood...
Hairy woodpeckers can be distinguished from downies by their larger size, larger bill in relation to the head and a lack of spots on the outer tail feathers. Credit:  Carol Hamilton

Good Natured: Hairy Woodpeckers

​Although the word “hairy" isn't itself inherently bad, it's ofte...
 Krampus entertaining a local Girl Scout Troop

Kane County Animal Control Pet of the Week - Meet Krampus

She was found as a stray, a stray with a blue collar that had a little...
Robins in winter?? Plentiful food, water and shelter have led to year-round success for this popular, and populous, species.

Good Natured: Enjoying Robins Year-Round

​How about those robins, huh...
Photo Credit to Gordon Garcia

Protecting Great Horned Owls and other Wildlife in Kane County Forest Preserves

​Great Horned Owls are currently nesting in the forest preserves, addi...