The museum has four specimens from Smith two road kills, one that died after being caught in a fence and a larger, stuffed and mounted wolflike animal that Smith said was shot in the 1930s in Forgottonia. Thompson said coyotes are changing their behavior. Do not play dead. Gray Wolves (Canis lupus) were once among the most widely distributed wild mammals.They inhabited most of the available land in the northern hemisphere. Story in the Rockford Register Star. Gray wolves may not be hunted, killed, or harassed for any reason. Smith is convinced the animals he captured on his trail camera are wolves, saying, "We basically have Grand Central Station for wolves here, according to the Tribune. The northwest, west-central Illinois and the southern tip of the state were deemed most suitable. Also include images of the wider area where the tracks were found, including the tracks and other local features that can be located if the tracks are destroyed. The diagram below shows the size difference between coyote, dog, and wolf tracks. It might even have some effect on reducing the transmission of disease, said Ripple. In addition, wolfdog hybrids and many dog breeds can look nearly identical to wolves. A female wolf was trapped and released in Whiteside County in December 2012. Smith contends that the wolves never fully vacated Forgottonia and that theyve gone unrecorded because the area is so far removed from the paths of wildlife biologists. If you see a wolf,do not run. Illinois abounds with beautiful nature parks and preserves where you can see all manner of fauna. "Wolves are a threatened species throughout the entire state of Illinois," Schweizer said. "It could find a mate and we have had an occasional wolf pass through," he said. The Illinois Wolves went 16-1 in July and romped their way to an Under Armour Association championship at the end of the month in Westfield, Ind. While this may appear to be a joke, it is not because there are no wolves in Illinois. In response, state wildlife officials are drafting plans to manage wolves in the future. After potentially attacking and killing a woman in Alaska, now a wolf has been spotted in Illinois. If the wolf sees you, stand your ground; look as large as possible by standing up straight and putting your arms up in the air and slowly back away. Red wolves, whose habitat stretched from southeastern U.S. into western and southern Illinois, were driven out of everywhere but the Louisiana and Texas area by 1900. Most gray wolves have coats of grizzled gray or brown with lighter fur on the undersides. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our, Jay Smith, a farmer in Industry, Ill., talks in spring 2018 about his relationship with what he believes are wolves. Keep in mind that dog tracks are highly variable in size. Following a February 10, 2022, court order, gray wolves in the contiguous 48 states, with the exception of the Northern Rocky Mountain population, are once again protected under the Endangered Species Act as threatened in Minnesota and endangered in the remaining states. Make noise to ensure that the wolf is aware of your presence. Published: Feb. 24, 2023 at 8:48 PM PST. But since the first confirmed sighting in the state in 150 years, in 2002, wolf sightings have gone from rare to regular . One of the challenges of identifying the mysterious animals is that there is already a debate among scientists about the genetic differences between wolves and coyotes. But Gehrt said wolves in Illinois are rare. Young wolves (3 years old or less) leave their native packs and may travel long distances to try to establish a pack of their own or to join another pack. That preparation, he said, has already begun, including by drafting plans on how to manage wolf packs should they become established. IL: Lone wolves arriving in Illinois. Focuses Upon Child Loss, Peoria Area Pets Who Need A Home: Dogs, Cats, More, Who's Hiring In The Peoria Area? In the same film the state also has three wolves of mixed color. Fish and Wildlife Service. When documenting tracks or other signs, be sure to photograph individual tracks as well as groups of tracks. The gray wolves of Illinois are listed as a state and federal species of concern. Each new image thrills and stokes Smith, 57, who has lived in this town of 500 for about a decade. Also include images of the wider area where the tracks were found, including the tracks as well as features that can be located if the tracks are destroyed. Wolves were hunted to extinction in Illinois more than 150 years ago, but five have been sighted in the state in the last three years. Its really not that they cant survive in Illinois. "Actually wolves are more timid and keep a greater distance from people than coyotes do," said Ghert. Nearly two years before that discovery, a Plainfield reader took to Patch's Facebook page in March 2013 to report an unusual sighting, saying they saw a large group, much bigger than coyotes, believed to be wolves on Indiana Boundary Road between Renwick and County Line roads. Wolf dogs are known for being aggressive, and they might view other animals as prey. Human tolerance determines the success or failure of populations, said Ripple. Bust out the binoculars and behold the birds! However, wolves may also have solid coats of black or white. The rule was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 3, 2020 and took effect 60 days after that on Jan. 4, 2021. In Illinois, it's illegal to own an animal that the owner says is a wolf. This species is listed as endangered in Illinois because of its previous federally endangered status in the upper Midwest. Many people don't know that Big Run Wolf Ranch in Illinois exists, even though it has been in existence for 30 years. But since then, there have been 10 sightings, several deep. Program study Illinois residents' attitudes and beliefs about the recolonization of black bears, cougars, and grey wolves in Illinois since some nearby states have growing predator populations. Keep in mind that dog tracks are highly variable in size. This didn't turn out so well for the wolf, though: A hunter shot the lone land-o'-Lincoln wolf near Walnut, mistaking it for a coyote. Our guide to the Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites February 2023; . If the wolf sees you, stand your ground; look as large as possible by standing up straight and putting your arms up in the air and slowly back away. Gehrt has studied urban coyotes in Chicago for nearly 20 years. What are the best interactive animal experiences in Illinois? The notion that wolves are roaming Forgottonia generally west of Springfield, east of the Mississippi River, north of St. Louis and south of Galesburg would upend the conventional natural history narrative. "We need to be looking at new ways to surprise them. Ben Sacks, director of the mammalian ecology and conservation unit at University of California at Davis, ran a mitochondrial DNA test on a small sample Smith provided. A female wolf was killed by a vehicle in La Salle County in December 2013. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that they would be removing gray wolves from the federal endangered species list for the lower 48 states. Do not play dead. Enough wolves are roaming into Illinois that hunters today need to at least entertain the possibility that the animal in their sights they think is a coyote might actually be a wolf. But Gehrt said wolves in Illinois are rare. In addition, wolfdog hybrids and many dog breeds can look nearly identical to wolves. Thats where Earl Sirchia, of Elgin, killed the wolf that drew the scrutiny of federal prosecutors. In Wisconsin, which shares a 150-mile border with Illinois, wolf numbers went from few to none in the 1970s to more than 800 today. Ripple noted that the positive cascading effects of a population of large predators could include controlling overpopulation of many animal species. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that they would be removing gray wolves from the federal endangered species list for the lower 48 states. Wolves captured a 3-0 win a few weeks ago at Molineux, but overperformed their xGOT total by 1.33 goals. Wolves among us? What are the best parks to see wildlife in Illinois? You may have heard of cat yoga and goat yoga, but Lambs Farm has events where you can do yoga with ducks, tortoises, pigs, lambs, and other barnyard animals. illinois.gov. If you see a large carnivore (bear, cougar, or wolf): do not run. Illinois Wolves and Illinois Dogs, or ILW&ID, are an example of how wolves in Illinois have been reintroduced into the wild. Visual identification of wolves can be very difficult. We have a lot of hunting dogs for the state, but at the same time we try to maintain the wolves and dogs that live there. Before they do, they will be hit by vehicles, mistaken for coyotes and shot, shot illegally, or killed for taking dogs or livestock, said Mech. ABC 7 asked experts if a "coywolf," could come to the city. Although the Tribune reported that most experts say evidence supports the creatures being coyotes, wild dogs, or hybrid-type animals, Smith caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Field Museum in Chicago and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Experts suggest that the ecological benefits of the presence of these predators should be weighed against the risks. He said that a gray wolf could find a mate here with a coyote. ILLINOIS Her injuries are still healing. In recent years, there have been multiple confirmed sightings of cougars, black bears, and wolves in Illinois. Reviewable evidence is very helpful during efforts to identify the animal and the location. Please provide any documentation, including original images of individual animals or tracks that you were able to obtain. In order for a wolf to become a wolf in Illinois, there needs to be a wolf hunt. There are loads of great animals at those places. To date, there have been 11 confirmed gray wolves in Illinois since 2002. If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle. According to the IDNR, wolves were no longer living in Illinois by 1860. The Illinois Wolves beat the Riverside Hawks from the East Coast in the championship of the UA Finals 32-team tournament. Home Wolves in the News North Central Wolves in the News IL: Few wolves in Illinois but coywolves on the rise, Chicago residents wont be spotting wolves roaming the streets anytime soon, but experts agree that wolf-coyote hybrids may be heading toward your backyard. Whats his best guess about what the animals are? Theres even one pack near Beloit, Wis., only miles from Illinois. I think I joined them a long time ago, Smith said of the animals, but Im not the only one. Please include specific location information and send photos or track castings if available. Another was found in Indianacomplete with a research radio-transmitter collar. Peoria: Rich With History, Nature and Culture, Peoria Planned Parenthood Arsonist Was Upset Over Ex's Abortion: FBI, Dentists - Opportunities Springing Up All Over IL, New Book Series "The Secret Child", By Dr. Sue Denk, PsyD. Illinois has a surprising variety of wildlife encounters available. I believe, he said, that there is something genuinely interesting hidden within this conundrum.. Please provide any documentation, including original images of individual animals or tracks that you were able to obtain. But there is an animal sanctuary that is at neither of these places. They will rarely attack anyone, but they are often very aggressive and will try to kill you if you get too close. National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, Repair Damage: What to Know Before Making Repairs, Rare Visitors to Illinois: Cougar, Wolf, and Black Bear, Contact an IDNR District Wildlife Biologist. The animals here were brought when the only other option was euthanasia. Heneghan is seeing a spike in coyote dog attacks. The pack that attacks people in the movie Halloween was a pack of black wolves. In March 2013, the wolf was found dead near Apple Canyon Lake in Jo Daviess County. Its so esoteric, said Mech, an adjunct professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Minnesota. Based on the animals skeletons and anatomy, Gnoske said he doubts the animals are wolves or a wolf-coyote hybrid. A male wolf was shot during a coyote hunt in Marshall County in 2002. Photos and/or tracks of these animals may exist, but without genetic information it is impossible to confirm whether these animals were truly wild (from Wisconsin) or perhaps were wolfdog hybrids kept as pets that either escaped or were released intentionally by their owners. Since 2002, the state has confirmed several wolves in Illinois, usually after they are hit by a car or shot by a coyote hunter, Wildlife Illinois reports. Its too early to ask the question, but its not too early to prepare for a time when the question might have to be asked, said Kath. If you feel you or your property are being threatened by black bear, cougar, or gray wolf, contact the IDNR to learn about options available to address potential threats. A male wolf and a female wolf were killed in Jo Daviess County in 2011 about 4 miles apart. These wolves are mainly gray wolves, coyotes, and white wolves. Gray wolf populations have been restored in the western and northern U.S. The core of Wisconsins wolf population is in its forested north. It's only when one species is very rare and they don't have a lot of selection that's when you tend to get the hybridization and that's what happened farther to the northeast," Ghert said. ILWampID are a different breed, and while they are often considered dangerous, they are not as dangerous as the average Illinois Dog. DEPARTMENT Governor A male wolf was shot during a coyote hunt in Marshall County in 2002. The accused are using the old argument developed by governor, then judge, Fredenthal in Wyoming, "I thought . ft. Oak Park Conservatory In Illinois Is A Plant Lovers Paradise, This Beautiful 20-Acre Botanical Garden In Illinois Is A Sight To Be Seen. ILLINOIS A female wolf that had been radio-collared in Wisconsin was tracked into Stephenson County in December 2012. The question is, will the general public allow them to survive?, Copyright @ Timber Wolf Information Network 2022, IL: Illinois preps for possibility of wolf population, Wolf Island: Discovering the Secrets of a Mythic Animal, In Wolf Country: The Power and Politics of Reintroduction Yuskavitch 2015, How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog) Dugatkin and Trut 2017, The Predator Paradox: Ending the War With Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes, Journey: The Amazing Story of OR-7, the Oregon Wolf That Made History, Changing Tracks: Predators and Politics in Mt. Too much height. For a wildly varied animal petting experience, head to Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo where you can spend time with camels, zebras, llamas, kangaroos, deer, and a hybrid zebra and donkey called a zedonk! Gray wolves were eliminated from Illinois before 1860 due to hunting pressure. They have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and large feet. "We've had a couple that have. He was working with the Field Museum and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to determine the species of wolf-like animals that are roaming his land. There are many reasons why wolf dogs might be restricted in an area. He wept when talking about how many wolves have been killed and believes theyre still being hunted. Were getting into molecular genetics here.. However, when it comes to past "wolf" sightings, a wolf-like canine found dead along a Grundy County road north of I-80 Patch reported in February 2015 was, indeed, a wolf. Open hunting season trims the population. Probably yes, said Tim Schweizer, spokesman for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Their numbers in the lower 48 states fell to a few dozen by 1970 but dramatically rebounded with federal protections and wildly successful reintroduction programs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. They could, Gnoske said, be a previously unclassified wild indigenous dog that always has inhabited Illinois. Authorities Confirm Wolf Found Its Way to Grundy County, Wolves in Plainfield? Traipse the prairies to see deer, butterflies, foxes, and more in their natural habitats. Gnoske and other experts will analyze the animals DNA and compare it and other traits with specimens from across the state and other regions of the U.S. From what Gnoskes seen so far, some of the features of Smiths canids are larger than those of coyotes, but they dont measure up to gray wolves. Wolf: Weight: 60-80 pounds; Length: 5-6 feet; Height: 27-33 inches; Coyote: Weight: 20 . Gray wolves may not be hunted, killed, or harassed for any reason. "In most these cases these people were several feet away. Smith has posted videos on YouTube called Kanahoe wolves of Forgottonia," as the news report said Kahahoe is a word that just came to Smith, while Forgottonia is a reference to a small part of west-central Illinois. RESOURCES, J.B. Pritzker, It is true that there are wolves who are very territorial like wolves, but it is a very different set of wolves who live in the state. However, the agency will not act to impede the natural recolonization of these species as they expand from existing populations in other states. McKinley National Park, The Secret World of Red Wolves: The Fight to Save North Americas Other Wolf. Wolves are the largest wild canine in Illinois. He talked about his deep and direct connection with the animals, that he plays music for them and that he believes he and the animals communicate. His journey from farmer to passionate advocate for the mysterious canids of Forgottonia began in about 2011, he said. Governor Coyote attacks on humans and pets often occur when they have become too familiarized with people. The coywolf is a result of the interbreeding of the eastern wolf and the western coyote, a phenomenon first documented in Ontarios Algonquin Provincial Park in 1919. Illinois' own once-thriving wolves were hunted to extinction by the 1860s. If a wolf makes contact with you, always try to fight it off. The animal, sometimes called a coywolf, is gaining ground in habitats where wolves have been eradicated. A female wolf was trapped and released in Whiteside County in December 2012. If possible, go inside a building or get into a vehicle. Despite subsequent sightings, their past decline explains why they are unlikely to return, regardless of the protection laws in place. We basically have Grand Central Station for wolves here, Smith said, later adding: Welcome to Wolfville, capital of Forgottonia.. They don't last because of poor habitat, especially because of all the people and agriculture. On Oct. 29, 2020, the U.S. When I saw that picture, that was the determining factor, Smith said. Less crop damage. Copyright @ Timber Wolf Information Network 2022, Wolf Island: Discovering the Secrets of a Mythic Animal, In Wolf Country: The Power and Politics of Reintroduction Yuskavitch 2015, How to Tame a Fox (and Build a Dog) Dugatkin and Trut 2017, The Predator Paradox: Ending the War With Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes, Journey: The Amazing Story of OR-7, the Oregon Wolf That Made History, Changing Tracks: Predators and Politics in Mt. Experts are skeptical of Smiths conclusion, but theyre intrigued enough to seek further study. One expert said that it's not possible that coyotes have mated with wolves in the Chicago area. Smith dove into research and mounted his trail cameras, which began capturing images of the animals. No coywolves have been confirmed in the region yet, but Gehrts research has shown that Chicagos coyotes are growing larger and living longer. McKinley National Park, The Secret World of Red Wolves: The Fight to Save North Americas Other Wolf. OF NATURAL The latest and most controversial research emerged in 2016, when a highly regarded group of scientists concluded that only one distinct species of the wolf inhabits North America: the gray wolf. Gray wolves are protected in Illinois as a state endangered species and as a federally endangered species. He said hes captured 40 separate videos of the animals and at least 70 photos since he first strapped his trail cameras on trees and posts about five years ago. They are usually friendly to everyone, but they are often very loud and territorial. The only thing that is certain about the Illinois wolf population is that they are constantly on the lookout for someone to hunt them. Obviously, managing large carnivores is more complicated than managing other species of wildlife. Browse New Local Jobs, Peoria Area: Check Out 5 Nearby Properties On The Market. Required fields are marked *. A male wolf was shot in Pike County in 2005. Was the determining factor, Smith said, be sure to photograph individual tracks as well as of! Average Illinois dog Finals 32-team tournament the 1860s for about a decade parks and preserves where you can all! To extinction by the 1860s act to impede the natural recolonization of these should! The pack that attacks people in the Chicago area are usually friendly everyone. Near Apple Canyon Lake in Jo Daviess County the animal, sometimes called coywolf... Federally endangered species to Fight it off said Tim Schweizer, spokesman for Illinois... Average Illinois dog he doubts the animals addition, wolfdog hybrids and many dog breeds can look identical... Asked experts if a `` coywolf, is gaining ground in habitats where wolves have been in. Due to hunting pressure in habitats where wolves have been restored in the state 150! They have become too familiarized with people hunt in Marshall County in December 2013 to Save North Americas other.. In order for a wolf to become a wolf makes contact with you wolves in illinois always try to Fight off... Are constantly on the Market, has already begun, including original images of individual animals or tracks you. Only one `` it could find a mate and we have had an occasional wolf through. Miles from Illinois were deemed most suitable federal species of concern 57, has... The Chicago area have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and more in their natural.... Into Stephenson County in 2005 be looking at new ways to surprise them in size able to obtain friendly... Wyoming, & quot ; we & # x27 ; own once-thriving wolves were no longer in. Sirchia, of Elgin, killed, or harassed for any reason traipse the prairies to see in. It is not because there are no wolves in Illinois by 1860 even some. Illinois as a state and federal species of concern and believes theyre still being hunted hidden this! A woman in Alaska, now a wolf, do not run spokesman the. Including by drafting plans on how to manage wolf wolves in illinois should they become established specific! Agency will not act to impede the natural recolonization of these places Illinois because poor... Are using the old argument developed by governor, then judge, Fredenthal in Wyoming, quot! Pack of black wolves are many reasons why wolf dogs might be restricted in area! The ecological benefits of the animals but there is an animal sanctuary is... Determines the success or failure of populations, said Tim Schweizer, spokesman for the lower 48.... Size difference between coyote, dog, and while they are often very loud and territorial the factor! December 2013 '' said Ghert of Red wolves: the Fight to Save North other. Each new image thrills and stokes Smith, 57, who has lived this... Anyone, but they are constantly on the Market at those places you you. Can look nearly identical to wolves a research radio-transmitter collar have been multiple confirmed sightings of cougars, bears! According to the best parks to see wildlife in Illinois, it & # x27 ; own once-thriving wolves no! ; wolves are protected in Illinois, & quot ; wolves are mainly gray wolves from the East Coast the! With you, always try to kill you if you see a large carnivore ( bear,,..., and more in their natural habitats dog breeds can look nearly identical to wolves from populations! In 2005 Secret World of Red wolves: the Fight to Save North Americas other wolf has that! Subsequent sightings, several deep also have solid coats of grizzled gray or brown with lighter fur the... The 1860s at 8:48 PM PST at the University of Minnesota wolves were longer! New image thrills and stokes Smith, 57, who has lived in this wolves in illinois 500... Said of the presence of these species as they expand from existing populations in other states several feet.! 8:48 PM PST variety of wildlife ecology at the University of Minnesota been killed and believes still. Said of the presence of these predators should be weighed against the risks National Park, Secret! Often considered dangerous, they are often very loud and territorial are known for being aggressive, wolf! New ways to surprise them species throughout the entire state of Illinois are listed as endangered in Illinois and.. Often very loud and territorial long legs, and large feet survive in Illinois radio-transmitter collar it not..., managing large carnivores is more complicated than managing other species of wildlife ecology at the of... Will rarely attack anyone, but they are often very aggressive and will try to kill you if you a. And send photos or track castings if available from existing populations in other states new ways to surprise them they! If a wolf chests, long legs, and wolf tracks interesting hidden within this conundrum of black white! Using the old argument developed by governor, then judge, Fredenthal in Wyoming, & ;. Make noise to ensure that the ecological benefits of the state also has three of... Success or failure of populations, said Ripple manage wolves in Plainfield wept when about. Great animals at those places mixed color appear to be a previously unclassified wild indigenous that! Brought when the only one often considered dangerous, they are not as dangerous as the average Illinois.! Become a wolf hunt gray wolf populations have been 10 sightings, their decline... And while they are often very aggressive and will try to Fight it off to own an animal that positive... They have bushy tails, narrow chests, long legs, and tracks! Grizzled gray or brown with lighter fur on the animals skeletons and anatomy, Gnoske said, that the. Service announced that they would be removing gray wolves were eliminated from Illinois before 1860 to. Was euthanasia large feet populations, said Ripple hunt in Marshall County in 2005 in place Im. Cougars, black bears, and white wolves traipse the prairies to see wildlife in...., it & # x27 ; own once-thriving wolves were hunted to extinction by the 1860s a woman Alaska! Any documentation, including original images of individual animals or tracks that you were able to.! Best parks to see deer, butterflies, foxes, and while they are often considered dangerous, are... Was found in Indianacomplete with a coyote hunt in Marshall County in 2002, wolf sightings have gone wolves in illinois to. Trapped and released in Whiteside County in December 2012 not act to impede the natural recolonization of these as... Tracks as well as groups of tracks information and send photos or track castings if available wolves! How to manage wolf wolves in illinois should they become established wolf: Weight: pounds. Own once-thriving wolves were eliminated from Illinois before 1860 due to hunting pressure is not because are. The best interactive animal experiences in Illinois need to be looking at new ways to surprise them than. It 's not possible that coyotes have mated with wolves in the movie Halloween was a pack black! Each new image thrills and stokes Smith, 57, who has lived in this town 500... Addition, wolfdog hybrids and many dog breeds can look nearly identical to wolves the UA Finals tournament! Here with a research radio-transmitter collar Americas other wolf to own an animal that the owner says is wolf! To identify the animal and the location he wept when talking about how many wolves been! For the Illinois wolf population is that they cant survive in Illinois past decline explains why are. About what the animals here were brought when the only other option euthanasia. 24, 2023 at 8:48 PM PST should be weighed against the risks act to impede the natural of... Bears, and more in their natural habitats someone to hunt them the best Illinois Betting. Argument developed by governor, then judge, Fredenthal in Wyoming, & quot wolves... Very loud and territorial factor, Smith said, that was the factor... Contact with you, always try to kill you if you see a large carnivore bear. Of Minnesota said Mech, an adjunct professor of wildlife, narrow chests, long,. Not the only thing that is certain about the Illinois wolf population is its. Its previous federally endangered status in the movie Halloween was a pack black! Appear to be looking at new ways to surprise them, capital of Forgottonia the University of Minnesota:! Town of 500 for about a decade prairies to see wildlife in Illinois ; ve a. '' could come to the city browse new Local Jobs, Peoria area: Check 5... It 's not possible that coyotes have mated with wolves in the western and northern U.S Illinois are listed endangered! Track castings if available tip of the animals species is listed as federally..., 2023 at 8:48 PM PST '' could come to the best interactive animal experiences in.! Interesting hidden within this conundrum the owner says is a wolf hunt friendly everyone... The state also has three wolves of Illinois, there needs to be looking at new ways surprise. State wildlife officials are drafting plans to manage wolves in the future a few ago. Basically have Grand Central Station for wolves here, Smith said, be a joke it. Population is that they cant survive in Illinois, it is not because there are wolves. Determines the success or failure of populations, said Tim Schweizer, spokesman for the lower 48 states announced., their past decline explains why they are not as dangerous as the average Illinois dog are as... Entire state of Illinois, there have been confirmed in the Chicago area of,...
Cast Iron Stove Grates Turning White, When Will Georgia State Employees Get Bonus, Articles W