These US cities are true urban jungles you need to know more about!
When you think about big cities, you’re probably imagining towering skyscrapers, busy streets, and bustling crowds. Wildlife is probably not on your list. But behind all of the concrete and steel, many US cities have animals living happily in this urban environment. While pigeons and squirrels are expected city residents, plenty of unexpected critters are quietly sharing the same spaces.
What is even more fascinating is that these animals are not just passing through. They have actually adapted to urban life, and they try to make the most out of the resources they have in these urban concentrations.
Some used to be endangered, and they managed to find refuge in cities, while others have simply wandered in and made themselves comfortable. These are the most fascinating animals you can find in US cities.
Bats (Austin, Texas)
Austin, Texas, isn’t just the “Live Music Capital of the World”; this is also the place that has one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America! Yes, of all US cities, bats decided that Austin is the best place to settle down.
If you ever want to see them, you have to be at the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge from late March to October, just before sunset. This is when the bats come out to hunt insects, and they put on an incredible and mesmerizing show.
Gathering on the east-side walkway of the bridge or along the banks of Lady Bird Lake is popular among locals and tourists alike, and we totally get it considering how fascinating the whole thing is.
But bats are not here just because they want to put on a show. They are actually incredibly important for the ecosystem. Each night, they consume thousands of pounds of insects, including agricultural pests.
The bats are present here now because back in the 1980s, after bridge renovations, small crevices under the structure remained there, and bats discovered that this was the perfect home for them. They were seen as a nuisance then, but now they are Austin’s biggest natural wonders.
Mountain lions (Los Angeles, California)
This is the home of movie stars and mountain lions. Yeah, we know that this sounds weird, but this is one of the US cities that has a lot of wildlife. Wild big cats roam this place because the hills and canyons surrounding the city are perfect for them.
Researchers estimate that around 75 mountain lions are in the Santa Monica Mountains, and at night they stealthily roam around the city. Cougars have adapted to life next to the metropolis, but they avoid human contact as much as possible and mainly hunt deer.
But there are also exceptions. P-22 is one of these big cats that live near L.A., and it’s truly remarkable because this cougar managed to cross two major freeways and then decided to reside in Griffith Park right next to the Hollywood sign. Its story is also documented in The Cat That Changed America (2017). And this helped raise awareness about the challenges these animals face when they live in urban areas.
Cottontail rabbits (Boston, Massachusetts)
Besides the rich history, Boston is also home to a surprisingly adorable population of wild bunnies. Two species can be found here: the New England cottontail and the eastern cottontail. Most of the time you will see them hopping happily around parks and backyards.
What is interesting here is that people reported more sightings than ever in the last years. This means the bunnies like the life they have here, and they are thriving. For example, some noticed that there were rabbits right outside the Massachusetts State House!
The best time to spot these rabbits is during their mating season. This runs from March to September, and during this time the bunnies will be more active and will not shy away when people are looking at them.
So, wherever you are in the city of Boston, keep an eye out because there is always a chance you will spot these tiny rascals jumping around. These unexpected urban bunnies are a delightful sighting in this urban area.
Alligators in (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Jazz, Creole cuisine, and Mardi Gras: this is the heart of New Orleans. But this is also the home of one of the biggest predators in the US, the alligator. Yes, there are not many US cities that can brag about this.
The bayous and swamps surrounding the city are the places where you will find these fascinating creatures. The murky waters are their favorite, and you can spot them waiting for the right moment to surface.
Now, going alone to see the alligators is not a good idea, but this doesn’t mean there is no chance to see them. There are boat tours you can book. The guides will show you the lush wetlands surrounding the city, and we almost guarantee you will also see these prehistoric reptiles.
Alligators are a vital part of Louisiana’s ecosystem, keeping fish and small mammal populations in check. Generally, they stay in the wild, but you can find them in unexpected places such as backyards, golf courses, or even city canals after heavy rains.
Deer (Salt Lake City, Utah)
In most US cities, spotting a deer is a magical moment, but this is not the case in Salt Lake City. Here they are a quite familiar sight, and you can see them strolling along roadsides or even in some unusual urban spaces.
Deer live in the surrounding Wasatch Mountains, but now some have made the city their permanent residence. Most of the time you can surely see them in the Salt Lake City Cemetery and in the Avenues neighborhood.
They love to hang out in the cemetery because it offers all they need, from abundant greenery to peace and quiet. Also, the lack of predators is another significant factor. Beyond the cemetery, deer sightings are common in parks, backyards, and even along busy roads. When deer stroll between cars, it can pose a significant risk to their lives, so this is now a big problem for those who do their best to protect them.
But no matter what happens, deer adapt very well to urban life, and it seems that they will remain close to us from now on. So, if you ever visit Salt Lake City, keep in mind that there is a high chance you will spot them sooner or later.
Sightings like these remind us that the natural world is fighting with the world we are constantly building. Nature wants to stay alive, and this is one way it makes us aware of this. What do you think about this?
Have you ever spotted any of these animals in these US cities? Tell us more about your experience in the comments!
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