Research and Reports

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The cover of the 2021 Environmental Research Initiative Group Annual Report shows a coyote in an urban environment.

Research

Each year the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control issues a summary of research conducted in partnership with the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. 

Click to download the 2021 research report.

Some highlights from the 2021 Environmental Research Initiative Group Annual Report include:

  • Urban Otter project: Otters have returned to Cook County and this first of its kind study highlights efforts to document the basic biology of the this new mammal species which has the potential of carrying rabies.

  • Coyote study: This study that began in 2000 is the longest study of its kind nationally and shows the leadership role that Cook County has played in documenting this mammal species and how coyotes potentially effect the residents of the County. 

The full report can also be found under the downloads section to the right.

Downloads