We all know about the different animals you can find in the wild. But they often keep themselves to themsevles. However, many animals are now venturing further into urban and city environments – and some of these might surprise you!
Here are a whopping 20 animals that you may spot in the city or urban environments that might come as a shock:
1) Coyote
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Deserts, Plains
Rarity: Common
Latin: Canis Latrans
Coyotes have adapted to urban environments due to the abundance of food sources, including small mammals, fruits, and even human-provided food. They play a crucial role in controlling rodent and small mammal populations.
If you encounter a coyote, do not feed it, maintain a safe distance, and secure your pets, as coyotes may see small pets as prey.
2) Red-Tailed Hawk
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Open Country, Woodlands
Rarity: Common
Latin: Buteo Jamaicensis
Red-tailed hawks thrive in cities because of the ample perching and nesting sites provided by buildings and the availability of prey like pigeons and rodents.
If you see a red-tailed hawk, enjoy the sighting from a distance, as these birds are best observed without disturbance.
3) Peregrine Falcon
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Cliffs, High Terrains
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Falco Peregrinus
Peregrine falcons have found skyscrapers to be suitable substitutes for their natural cliff nesting sites. They help control pigeon populations.
Maintain a safe distance if you encounter a peregrine falcon, and never disturb its nest, as these birds are protected by law.
4) Wild Turkey
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Forests, Grasslands
Rarity: Common
Latin: Meleagris Gallopavo
Wild turkeys may venture into urban areas in search of food, especially during the fall and winter. While generally not aggressive, male turkeys can sometimes become territorial.
If a wild turkey approaches you, do not feed it, and give it space to move on.
5) Raccoon
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Varied
Rarity: Very Common
Latin: Procyon Lotor
Raccoons are attracted to urban areas by the availability of food from trash cans and pet food left outdoors. They are opportunistic feeders and highly adaptable.
If you encounter a raccoon, do not approach or feed it, and secure your trash cans to deter them.
6) Opossum
Location: East of the Rockies
Habitat: Forests, Farmlands
Rarity: Common
Latin: Didelphis Virginiana
Opossums are drawn to cities due to the availability of food and shelter. They help control insect and rodent populations. If you see an opossum, leave it alone; it will likely move on quickly.
Ensure that your trash cans are secure to prevent them from foraging in your garbage.
7) Bat
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Caves, Trees, Buildings
Rarity: Common
Latin: Vespertilio
Bats are found in cities where they roost in buildings and bridges and help control insect populations.
If you find a bat in your home, contact local wildlife control to safely remove it. Never handle a bat, as they can carry diseases like rabies.
8) Beaver
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Freshwater Rivers
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Castor canadensis
Beavers may be found in urban areas with rivers or streams, as they create habitats by building dams. If you come across a beaver, observe it from a distance.
Do not disturb its dam, as this is crucial to its survival.
9) Fox
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Forests, Grasslands
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Vulpes Vulpes
Foxes can adapt to urban environments where there are ample food sources and shelter. They help control rodent populations. If you encounter a fox, appreciate it from a distance, and secure your pets and trash to avoid attracting them.
10) Deer
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Forests, Grasslands
Rarity: Common
Latin: Odocoileus Virginianus
Deer are common in suburban areas where they find plentiful food and fewer predators. They can cause traffic hazards and damage to gardens. If you see a deer, give it space and do not approach it.
Drive carefully, especially during dawn and dusk when deer are most active.
11) Feral Cat
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Varied
Rarity: Very Common
Latin: Felis Catus
Feral cats are found in cities due to the availability of food sources, including rodents and scraps. They can contribute to overpopulation issues.
If you see a feral cat, do not feed it, and consider contacting a local Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.
12) Snapping Turtle
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Freshwater
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Chelydra Serpentina
Snapping turtles may be found in urban areas near freshwater habitats. They are often seen crossing roads to lay eggs.
If you see a snapping turtle on the road, do not attempt to pick it up (as it can bite), but you can help by alerting traffic or contacting animal control.
13) Armadillo
Location: Southern US
Habitat: Forests, Grasslands
Rarity: Common
Latin: Dasypus Novemcinctus
Armadillos are attracted to urban areas by the availability of food and shelter. They are nocturnal and help control insect populations.
If you encounter an armadillo, observe it from a distance and do not approach, as they can carry diseases like leprosy.
14) Nutria
Location: Southern US
Habitat: Freshwater Wetlands
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Myocastor Coypus
Nutria have populated urban waterways, drawn by the availability of aquatic vegetation. They can cause damage to water infrastructure.
If you see a nutria, do not approach or feed it, and consider reporting it to local wildlife authorities.
15) Bobcat
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Forests, Swamps
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Lynx Rufus
Bobcats may be found in urban parks and green spaces, attracted by the availability of prey. They are generally shy and elusive. If you see a bobcat, enjoy the rare sighting from a distance and do not approach or feed it.
16) River Otter
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Freshwater
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Lontra Canadensis
River otters can be found in urban waterways, where they play a role in controlling fish populations. If you encounter a river otter, observe it from a distance and enjoy its playful behavior, but do not disturb it.
17) Skunk
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Forests, Grasslands
Rarity: Common
Latin: Mephitis Mephitis
Skunks are attracted to urban areas by the availability of food and shelter. They are best known for their defensive spray. If you see a skunk, give it plenty of space to avoid being sprayed, and secure your trash to deter them.
18) Black Bear
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Forests
Rarity: Increasing
Latin: Ursus Americanus
Black bears may venture into urban areas in search of food, especially during times of scarcity. They can be dangerous if provoked. If you see a black bear, do not approach or feed it.
Make noise to scare it away, and secure your trash and other attractants.
19) Peafowl
Location: Nationwide
Habitat: Forests
Rarity: Uncommon
Latin: Pavo Cristatus
Peafowl have established feral populations in some urban areas, often originating from escaped or released pets. They can be noisy and disruptive. If you encounter peafowl, observe them from a distance and do not feed them.
20) Wild Pig
Location: Southern US
Habitat: Forests, Grasslands
Rarity: Increasing
Latin: Sus Scrofa
Wild pigs are attracted to urban areas by the availability of food. They can be destructive and are known to root through gardens and lawns.
If you see a wild pig, do not approach it, as they can be aggressive. Contact local wildlife authorities for assistance.
Spotted Any?
Have you come across any of these in an urban setting? Let everybody know by commenting at the bottom of this page:
