Chicago outdoors: Eagle on the North Side and a question on releasing a pet turtle

Notes come from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.

WILD OF THE WEEK

Paul Vriend found the eagles residing on the North on a tree near the Chicago River."It would be great if the river is clean enough now to support them," he emailed. My thought is, they're here. That indicates they are finding food to survive.

WOTW, the celebration of wild stories and photos around Chicago outdoors, runs most weeks in the special two-page outdoors section in the Sun-Times Sports Sunday. To make submissions, email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside), Instagram (@BowmanOutside). or Bluesky (@Bowmanoutside).

DALE'S MAILBAG

"I have a box turtle somebody bought in Chinatown three or four years ago for me. The turtles shell is 7 inches long. . . . It was given to me and kept in a tank since it was an inch big. Can I release it in Lincoln Park lagoon in the late spring around May? Is it invasive? Will it survive? Is that legal?" Dan from Mount Greenwood

A: No. Absolutely do not release it into the wild. Find a reptile rescue (there are options in the Chicago area) or contact the place where it was purchased, some pet shops offer options. The issue is not just whether it is native or not, but any pet has the possibility of being a disease vector.

WILD TIMES

SHOWTIME

Wednesday, Jan. 8, to next Sunday, Jan. 12: Chicago Boat Show, Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont

Friday, Jan. 10, to next Sunday, Jan. 12: Tinley Park Fishing, Travel and Outdoor Expo, Tinley Park Convention Center

The master list of outdoors shows, classes, swap meets and major ice fishing events is at https://chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors/2024/11/28/outdoors-shows-master-list-for-2025-around-chicago-and-beyond

FISH GATHERINGS

Thursday, Jan. 9: Frank Sladek, natural resources education program coordinator for northern Illinois, on Illinois’ Urban and Community Fishing Program and an overview of the Jack Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery System, Riverside Fishing Club, Berwyn Moose Lodge 424, 6:45 p.m.

ILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS

Wednesday, Jan. 8: Final day, pheasant, quail and partridge seasons, north zone

Thursday, Jan. 9: Final day, dove season, second part

HUNTER SAFETY

Feb. 8-9: Wilmington, https://islandparkdistrict.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs