SPRINGFIELD, Ill (WJPF) – The Illinois Department of Natural has closed gray fox hunting season effective immediately. 

The agency said survey results indicate a substantial decline in the gray fox population in the last decade. Reasons for this decline are complex, but most research indicates that diseases such as canine distemper and competition from other animals, like coyotes, are the primary causes.

Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a measure last month giving IDNR the ability to open or close the season by administrative rule.