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Illinois Tick Alert: Hunters Asked to Help Track Invasive Species
Springfield, IL – Illinois deer hunters are being asked to help wildlife researchers track potentially harmful ticks across the state this hunting season, including an invasive species officials are w
By Cole Barrett · 2026-11-09T18:29:09.408Z
Springfield, IL – Illinois deer hunters are being asked to help wildlife researchers track potentially harmful ticks across the state this hunting season, including an invasive species officials are working to monitor more closely.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources IDNR , hunters can contribute to a statewide tick monitoring effort by submitting samples collected from harvested white tailed deer, helping researchers better understand where different tick species are spreading.
The initiative focuses on three native tick species — lone star, black legged and Gulf Coast ticks — while also seeking to identify counties with established populations of the invasive Asian longhorned tick.
White tailed deer serve as important hosts for several tick species, making them valuable for monitoring tick distribution across Illinois.
Researchers say deer provide a practical, cost effective way to collect information from areas that might otherwise be difficult to survey.
Why This Matters for Illinois Residents
Ticks can carry pathogens associated with illnesses affecting people and animals, including Lyme disease and other tick borne infections.
The Asian longhorned tick is of particular interest because of its invasive status and ability to reproduce rapidly under certain conditions.
However, detecting ticks in a county does not automatically mean an established population exists or that every tick carries disease.
How Hunters Can Help
Hunters interested in participating can collect tick samples from harvested deer following the research program's instructions.
The monitoring effort also uses deer skin sections to help scientists identify tick species and study their distribution.
Collected samples could help researchers improve surveillance, recognize changes in tick populations and better understand where additional monitoring may be needed.
As Illinois' deer hunting season continues, officials are encouraging participation to strengthen the state's understanding of tick activity.
Hunters can find additional information through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Wildlife website at outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org .