Mammalogy in New York City
Mammals are some of the most recognizable wildlife in New York City— step into any park and you’re likely to be greeted by an Eastern Grey Squirrel. But there’s much more to our mammal species. Start exploring below!
Eastern Grey Squirrel
Sciuridae carolinensis
Often the first wildlife encountered by both Tourists and Native New Yorkers alike, Eastern Grey Squirrels are a sort of unofficial wildlife ambassador for our Green Spaces. But there’s more to them than meets the eye— especially when it comes to color. Grey, black, red, even white, our squirrels dazzle and dance through the trees of the concrete jungle.
North American Raccoon
Procyom lotor
In the city that never sleeps, Raccoons are the king of New York City nightlife. But don’t let those dark eyes fool you— you can spot them in the daytime during the right season. Raccoons are usually a New Yorker’s wildest encounter, but their adorable faces and mischievous mannerisms always leave us smiling
Striped Skunk
Mephitis mephitis
Instantly recognizable by their white stripes and New York Black, Striped Skunks are still seldom seen by the general population. Between their secretive burrows and nocturnal behavior, they don’t exactly advertise their presence— except with their signature odor. But never fear; a spray is always the last line of defense.
Eastern Chipmunk
Tamias striatus
Chipmunks are often heard more than seen as they disappear into the underbrush. One of New York’s ground squirrel species, their burrows can reach as deep as 5 feet underground! Look for them in any park with enough soil dig in— and listen for their high pitched cheeps as they run away!
Groundhog
Marmota monax
New York’s largest ground squirrel and its second largest rodent, the Groundhog goes by many names— including woodchuck, land beaver, and whistle pig. If you’re in a park with deep ground, they’re sure to be around, but they’re quicker than they look. Even if you spot one, odds are it will duck under cover before you’re even certain it was there!
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
New York’s largest land mammal, the White-tailed deer has a complicated relationship with the city. With no natural predators still around, the Big Apple has resorted to other means to try and control their populations, including a vasectomy program. Prior to 2024, certain boroughs were considered off limits to our Urban Ungulates, but that’s no longer the case. Could a Central Park Herd be in the city’s future? Just keep your distance— they carry ticks.
Eastern Cottontail
Sylvilagus floridanus
The Hudson Valley is home to two species of rabbit, but the one most frequently encountered are these bushy-tail sylvanians. Some of them are likely released pets, but a native population exists, chomping on the understory and hopping adorable around our parks.
Southern Flying Squirrels
Glaucomys volans
The forests sprites of New York City are a rare sight indeed. Nocturnal, shy, and small, these mammals fall in style from the trees of our mightiest remaining forests straight into your heart. From their oversized eyes to their adorable cheeps, and encounter with these gliders is one you won’t soon forget.
Eastern Coyote
Canis latrans
No animal in the United States has been more persecuted than the coyote— and its fate in New York City is often no different. Most sightings of a coyote are accompained by feelings of fear or revulsion, but a closer look reveals just how beautiful they are. An important predator, their expansion in to the Big Apple represents their final frontier in reverse-colonizing our nation from coast to coast
Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana
North America’s only marsupial, the Possum is a mysterious and, well, odd creature. From its prehensile, naked tail, to its rows of razor sharp teeth, to their unusual “foot-thumbs, they don’t quite look like anything else in our parks. But we love them: they’re estimated to eat around 5,000 ticks each every summer.
American Red Squirrel
Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
An uncommon sight in New York City, American Red Squirrels are prolific in the pine forests upstate. How often and how many are actually inside the five boroughs is anyone’s guess— but keep your eye our for their signature eye-ring and belly line.
White-footed Mouse
Peromyscus leucopus
Some of the most adorable of New York’s rodent species, White-footed Mice can still be vectors for disease. The unique sub-groups that live in our parks have shown remarkable adaptations to urban life— including the ability to metabolize toxins from their environment!
Northern Short-tailed Shrew
Blarina brevicauda
Shrews are incredibly small, and very few have laid eyes on this one— the only venemous mammal in North America! Primarily insectivores, their varied diet includes mushrooms, salamanders, and even other small mammals it paralyzes with its venom
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
One of the rarer mammals in the Five Boroughs, the Red Fox is quick, wiley, and shy. While they haven’t made their way into Manhattan yet, in the outer boroughs of Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, you can have a momentary encounter with these fiery canids.
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Brown Rat, Common Rat, Street Rat… this mammalian menace has been called by many names. Certainly one of the animals most associated with NYC, this adaptable rodent has been a survivor and a pest for as long as Europeans have been here. But theyre not so bad once you get to know them!
Silver-haired bat
Lasionycteris noctivagans
Found across North America, Silver-haired bats are forest bats that prefer roosting in tree cavities or bark crevices. Primarily insectivores, they aren’t easy to spot— but they can be found in many of our forests, especially during migration!
