Governor Quinn Vetoes Bobcat Hunting Bill

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today vetoed House Bill 4226, which would have allowed bobcat hunting in Illinois. The Governor issued the following statement:

"We all have a responsibility to protect and maintain Illinois' wildlife. Allowing people to hunt bobcats in Illinois violates that responsibility.

"Habitat loss and trophy hunting put bobcats on the threatened species list in 1977, and it was only recently that the bobcat population recovered enough to be removed from this list.

"Today I veto this bill because bobcats are a valuable part of Illinois' ecosystem and continue to need protection."