The Top Four Famous Wild Animal Sightings Of All Time In Illinois

Over the past few years, there's been quite a few wild animal sightings in Illinois but which ones became the most famous?

More Wild Animal Sightings In Illinois

It's interesting how wildlife changes habits and environments without a warning. I'm sure there's some sort of scientific reasoning behind it that most normal citizens don't understand. I'm guessing part of the problem is humans pushing animals out of their homeland. They become curious, especially about food, and move on to other locations.

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Lately, there have been several animal sightings featuring creatures we usually don't see in this part of the country. Then, because of the power of social media. The news travels fast. The next thing you know, that beast becomes world famous. You'll see them all over the news until they're captured. It's a pretty fascinating process.

The Top Four Wild Animal Sightings In Illinois

I started thinking about all the wild animal encounters that have happened over the past few years in Illinois. Which ones were the most famous? After some serious research, I came up with the top four of all time. So, here's your Mount Rushmore of famous animal sightings in the Land of Lincoln.

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Illinois' Mount Rushmore Of Famous Animal Sightings

#4 Bruno The Bear (2020)

• It was the summer of COVID so any little thing excited us. This bear decided to go on a walkabout. He traveled down from Wisconsin and bounced back and forth between Illinois and Missouri for a few weeks. Lots of photos and videos were posted on social media by witnesses.

#3 Chicago Cougar (2008)

• This poor cougar was a long way from home. Officials aren't sure how he ended up there but it was just wandering the streets of Chicago. Police finally got it cornered. Unfortunately, the animal didn't want to cooperate and go quietly RIP.

#2 Chonkosaurus (2023)

• This massive turtle was discovered in the Chicago River by a couple of nature explorers. Who knew anything actually survived the pollution maybe that explains the size of this beast.

#1 Chance The Snapper (2019)

• Chonkosaurus would be on the top of this list if it wasn't for this alligator swimming in a park lagoon in the middle of Chicago. Plus, he was named after a famous rapper from the Windy City. Alligator Bob came up from Florida to capture the animal.