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Eastern Gray Squirrel
Gray Squirrel · Sciurus carolinensis
Long bushy tail for balance
Parklands · Throughout New York's parks
3 featured species · 3 habitat zones
Animals of New York
New York is not just a city full of skyscrapers and busy streets! It's also home to a variety of amazing animals. From the heart of Central Park to the shores of Long Island, creatures large and small make New York their home. Let's discover some of the incredible animals you can find here!
Featured Species
LC
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Peregrine Falcon
Falcon · Falco peregrinus
Super-fast flight speeds
Urban Skyscrapers · Tall buildings in NYC
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American Beaver
Beaver · Castor canadensis
Strong, flat tail used for swimming
Rivers and Waterways · Wetlands and wooded areas in upstate New York
Habitat Zones
Parklands
Parklands are green spaces where people can play and relax in nature. They often have grassy fields, trees, and playgrounds for everyone to enjoy.
Eastern gray squirrel, American robin, White-tailed deer
Urban Skyscrapers
The Urban Skyscrapers zone is full of tall buildings that seem to touch the sky. Busy streets and lots of people make this area exciting and full of life.
Peregrine falcon, Rock pigeon, European starling
Rivers and Waterways
Rivers and waterways flow through the city, providing homes for many aquatic animals. Boats and birds often share these lively waters.
Brook trout, Mallard duck, Osprey
Size Comparison
10-year-old
Eastern Gray Squirrel
About the size of a loaf of bread
Peregrine Falcon
About the size of a large shoe
American Beaver
About the size of a microwave oven
Where to Spot Them
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Look in: Throughout New York's parks
Watch for: They are known to bury acorns and other seeds in various locations, which helps with forest growth.
Peregrine Falcon
Look in: Tall buildings in NYC
Watch for: Peregrine falcons often hunt by diving at high speeds to catch their prey mid-flight.
American Beaver
Look in: Wetlands and wooded areas in upstate New York
Watch for: Beavers use their strong teeth to fell trees and build structures like dams in rivers.
Cultural Connection
New York's tall buildings provide a perfect environment for peregrine falcons to nest, a great example of how wildlife can adapt to urban environments.
Vocabulary
Did you know that peregrine falcons, found in New York City, are the fastest animals on earth, while Eastern Gray Squirrels are excellent climbers and can even climb head-first down trees?
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