In October 1994, visitors at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, one of New York City's five boroughs, spotted what appeared to be a large, mangy dog prowling among the headstones. The animal proved to be a coyote. By early 1995, people had spotted several other coyotes near the cemetery, some—traffic victims—dead in the street.
Most New Yorkers were surprised to learn that there were wild animals living in their midst. But it really wasn't so unusual. Despite their reputation as wilderness creatures, coyotes have become common in cities and suburbs across North America. And they have lots of company. Black bears are regular visitors to backyards in densely populated suburbs of cities in New York, New Jersey, and Colorado. Peregrine falcons swoop from high-rise buildings in Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles. And deer and wild turkeys find food on the grounds of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Although wildlife has existed in urban communities since the first cities were built, most people are amazed to learn how extensive and varied the populations of wild animals have become in American cities. The growing presence of wild animals among us testifies to their intelligence and adaptability to the human environment.
Parks, backyards, cemeteries, and golf courses are among the places wild animals have chosen to call home. Central Park, surrounded by tall apartment buildings in the heart of New York City, has nearly 300 bird species. Less obvious places where wildlife has taken up residence are grassy parkway medians, railroad rights of way, and flood-control channels. And few people would consider concrete ledges, window sills, air vents, chimneys, and storm sewers as suitable habitats, but many urban species find that such places are similar to the sites in a natural landscape where they might have established dens or nests.
