The below info is from the Illinois Dangerous Animals Act, Tom
585/0.1 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 0.1. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires: "Dangerous animal" means a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, bear, hyena, wolf or coyote, or any poisonous or life-threatening reptile.
"Owner" means any person who (a) has a right of property in a dangerous animal, (b) keeps or harbors a dangerous animal, (c) has a dangerous animal in his care, or (d) acts as custodian of a dangerous animal.
"Person" means any individual, firm, association, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity, any public or private institution, the State of Illinois, or any municipal corporation or political subdivision of the State.
Added by P.A. 84-28, 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.
585/1 DANGEROUS ANIMALS PROHIBITED - EXCEPTIONS.
SECTION 1. No person shall have a right of property in, keep, harbor, care for, act as custodian of or maintain in his possession any dangerous animal except at a properly maintained zoological park, federally licensed exhibit, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or animal refuge in an escape-proof enclosure.
Here is the link to the page:
http://www.monkeymaddness.com/laws/il.html
There is pleanty more info, but I am sorry, I just do not buy it. Here is the link and I am sure Jason (since he lives in the same state as you) can give you even more info that might show you are
not abising the laws of Illinois.
Jason is very correct in stating it is people that break laws that make it harder for
us to keep such animals (not speaking of just venemous) and enjoying them to their fullest potential.