Urban Wildlife Photos: Animals Move Into Suburbs and Cities as Sprawl Increases

As suburbs and cities grow and wilderness areas retreat, animals that once feared humans and avoided developed areas are becoming accustomed to getting their food and shelter from humans. Following attacks on humans and pets, some metro areas, including Greenwood Village, Colorado, have resorted to hiring hunters to shoot coyotes found within city limits. On the other hand, some humans enjoy visits from their semi-wild neighbors. The HSUS has a webpage dedicated to information on living peacefully with urban wildlife.

Whether you see them as nuisances or a fun diversion from city life, urban wildlife are likely here to stay. Here are some pictures of "wild" animals living in developed areas.

 1. Monk Parakeets/Quaker Parrots

These feral monk parakeets, native to South America, adapt easily to almost any environment. They've been seen nesting from Colorado Springs to California to the East Coast in the United States. Escaped and abandoned pets have founded many feral populations. Unfortunately, some municipalities classify these cute birds as an invasive species. In fact, they haven't been shown to be harmful to native wildlife, and they're lots of fun for birdwatchers like eloisemason, who caught this pair at her bird feeder.

2. Red Fox

Red foxes are common in the cities and suburbs of the United States, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and Japan. These semi-wild animals often have little or no apparent fear of human beings, and in Britain they are often deliberately fed by homeowners. Unfortunately, urban red foxes may have sarcoptic mange and sometimes snack on cats and small dogs, so not all humans welcome them in their yards and neighborhoods. Ian-s photographed this red fox in his driveway from only a few feet away.

3. Goose Demonstrating Urban Wildlife Adaptability

This is a feral goose of a domestic breed, but I included the photo because it demonstrates the adaptability of feral and semi-wild urban animals. I've heard people report raccoons waiting at crosswalks to cross with the walk signal, and I once had a squirrel come to my front door when the feeder they usually snack from was empty. Martin_james spied this goose and its water-saving pond alternative in his neighborhood.

4. Coyote

This coyote is wandering around a popular San Francisco tourist attraction. According to thenickster he was unfazed by cameras, dogs, people, and cars. That's not surprising. Many cities are reporting coyotes approaching humans and pets without any sign of fear. Coyote hazing has been suggested by wildlife advocates as an alternative to shooting, trapping, or poisoning bold coyotes that threaten humans or pets.

5. Hungry Raccoons

Raccoons are the ultimate in adaptable urban wildlife. When was the last time you saw a raccoon in a wilderness area? Urban raccoons rummage through trash cans for food, snack on kibble left out for outdoor pets, and may even break into human homes in search of a bite to eat. Pixieclipx snapped this family of raccoons making good use of her leftovers. Raccoons are fairly harmless when not in direct contact with humans or pets, but can carry rabies, may bite if cornered, and may be extremely destructive if they get into a house.

6. City Deer

These white-tailed deer are currently grazing in a city park near micklpickl's home, but might soon move on to a residential garden or the side of a road, where the herd's presence might cause considerable aggravation and potentially result in car accidents. It can be very difficult to keep hungry deer out of yards and gardens, given that they can leap most fences from a standstill. Deer kill more humans every year than do alligators. Although some homeowners enjoy visits from deer, most municipalities where urban deer live would like to encourage them to move along. Urban deer hunting has been implemented in various areas in hopes of solving the problem, but significant safety hazards prevent this strategy from working in most residential communities.

7. Birds of Prey

Raptors (birds of prey) are among the most successful urban predators. They have begun to adapt to nesting in the eaves of high-rise buildings rather than the tall trees and cliffs they'd choose in undeveloped areas. Rather than depending directly upon humans for their food, they prey on mice, rabbits, groundhogs, pigeons, and other urban wildlife at the bottom of the food chain. Although they might be hazardous to the safety of very small dogs and cats, most urban hawks like this one, spotted by fantailmedia on a cycling trail, are good neighbors overall.

8. Snakes on a Sidewalk

Many snake species are turning up in increasing numbers in urban and suburban areas. When rodent-eating snakes like Bull Snakes and Rattlesnakes aren't able to find undeveloped areas with rodent populations large enough to sustain them, they come into human neighborhoods to snack on the rodents that live in human homes. The good news is, keeping snakes out of your home and yard is pretty easy-- keep rodents out, and get rid of any attractive hiding places like disheveled woodpiles. These snakes encountered fauxtoebill on a walking path.

9. Ground Hog Hogging Urban Ground

Groundhogs, prairie dogs, and other burrowing rodents can be a nuisance because they tear up pricey landscaping, but eliminating them in urban areas where predators also live is a can of worms. The hungry predators often turn to snacking on cats and small dogs if their primary food source is removed. Urban groundhogs and burrowing rodents are cute, but should not be fed or handled, as they may bite. Prairie dogs also may have fleas which have occasionally transmitted bubonic plague to the PDs and other animals. Furryscalyman saw this groundhog near a parking lot.

Related: 20 Cute Rabbit Photos