Hobbies And Interests
Mammal
There is one mammal in DuPage County that is listed on the Endangered Species List, and that is the Indiana Bat. This bat is small, weighing only a quarter of an ounce, and inhabits areas throughout Illinois. The Indiana Bat has been given the status of endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These animals live primarily in caves and mines. The bat can sometimes make its home in small stream corridors and can be seen hunting for flying insects along lakes, rivers and upland forests.
Reptile
The Eastern Massasauga is a venomous rattlesnake that is now a candidate for the Endangered Species List. Though the candidate species is not officially on the Threatened and Endangered List, serious efforts are being made to protect and conserve the species as it has a very high chance of becoming endangered in the near future, if action isn't taken. A bite from this snake is very painful and in some cases, life threatening. However, thanks to the Eastern Massasauga's shy and elusive behavior, people are rarely bitten by one. These rattlesnakes live in the shrub wetlands of DuPage County and eat mostly small mammals and insects.
Insect
The Hine's Emerald Dragonfly can be found in the spring fed wetlands, wet meadows and marshes within DuPage County. This dragonfly is about two and a half inches long and gets it's name from it's vibrant emerald green eyes and green metallic body with yellow stripes. Because this endangered insect is confined to a specific area of habitat, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated critical habitat for this species in the areas of DuPage and surrounding counties in Illinois.
Plant
There are a few endangered or threatened plants inhabiting DuPage County. The Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid is one of more than 200 American orchid species and can range from eight to 40 inches tall with a cluster of creamy white flowers on top. This orchid has been given the status of threatened. Mead's Milkweed is also listed as threatened on the Endangered Species List and can range anywhere from eight to 16 inches high with waxy leaves and several small, creamy green flowers at the top. The Leafy Prairie Clover is and Endangered plant, distinguishable by it's slender green stem topped with a cluster of tiny purple flowers. All of these plants can be found in the prairies of DuPage County