Illinois has launched a measure to protect gray wolves, American black bears and mountain lions in the state as federally endangered species.

From January 1, these three animals will be provided protection under Illinois Wildlife Code. All these animals are native to Illinois but died out in the mid-1800s, the Illinois News-Gazette reported.

The new legislation means that along with the gray wolf, the black bear and the mountain lion will now be protected as endangered species, making it illegal to kill them unless they pose an "imminent threat" to humans. Landowners will now get the chance to apply for nuisance permits to allow them to kill animals that are not an immediate threat.

More bears, mountain lions and wolves than usual have been spotted in the state forcing the lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 3049. Governor Pat Quinn has signed the bill.

The coyote hunters should have to remain alert against shooting a federally protected animal.
"Wolves are much bigger than coyotes," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources spokesman Tim Schweizer, as quoted by the News-Gazette. "And no matter what you're hunting, you should always make sure what you're shooting."

Most of the wolf population in the Midwest inhabits northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan; but conservation officials say that gray wolves have been traveling farther south along with other endangered animals.