New York State features a diverse landscape, extending from the Atlantic coastline through the vast forests of the Adirondacks and Catskills, to the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. This variety in geography and habitat supports a wide array of wildlife, often exceeding the expectations of those who only picture its urban centers. Ecosystems range from dense forests and high mountain peaks to freshwater marshes, agricultural fields, and metropolitan areas. This mixture of natural environments allows numerous species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic life to thrive across the state.
Land Mammals of the Empire State
The White-tailed Deer is New York’s most commonly seen large mammal, thriving in forests, fields, and suburban areas. Bucks can weigh up to 300 pounds, and they are recognized by the bright white underside of their tail that is raised when they flee. The Eastern Coyote has also expanded its range across New York, adapting to various environments, including areas close to human populations.
Black Bears are the state’s second-largest mammal after the Moose, with an estimated population of 6,000 to 8,000 animals. Over 85% of the bear population is concentrated in the Adirondack and Catskill regions, though transient bears are increasingly encountered elsewhere. They are omnivores, feeding on berries, nuts, insects, and occasionally carrion, and they enter a state of shallow torpor in winter rather than true hibernation.
Smaller mammals are abundant, including the Eastern Gray Squirrel, a familiar sight in urban and suburban parks. The Striped Skunk, recognized by its distinctive black and white fur, is a semi-nocturnal animal often seen hunting for insects and small rodents. The common Raccoon is easily identified by its masked face and ringed tail, and it is highly adaptable, eating everything from wild fruits and aquatic animals to human refuse.
New York’s Avian Diversity
New York’s location along the Atlantic Flyway, a major migratory route, makes it home for over 500 species of birds. Common backyard residents include the Northern Cardinal and the Blue Jay, both of which remain in the state year-round. These birds are often seen in suburban areas, utilizing feeders and dense shrubbery for shelter.
Birds of prey are well-represented, with the Bald Eagle making a notable recovery and often spotted near large water bodies like the Hudson River and the Great Lakes. The Red-tailed Hawk is the most common large raptor, frequently observed soaring over open fields or perched on telephone poles. Waterfowl and coastal species like Gulls and Great Blue Herons are plentiful near the state’s coastlines and numerous inland lakes and rivers.
The varied habitats ensure New York provides shelter and nesting grounds for a diverse group, from Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to numerous species of ducks and geese. The state is an important stopover point for millions of migrating songbirds, seabirds, and raptors during the spring and fall seasons, relying on parks and green spaces to rest and refuel.
Reptiles Amphibians and Aquatic Life
New York is home to 17 native species of snakes, 19 species of turtles, and over 30 species of amphibians. The most common snake is the Common Garter Snake, a harmless species frequently found in lawns and field edges, identified by its three stripes. Only three of the state’s snake species are venomous, including the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga, which are rare and confined to specific, remote regions.
Amphibians, such as the Spring Peeper, are often heard before they are seen, with their chorus marking the arrival of spring near ponds and marshes. Unlike reptiles, amphibians have moist, permeable skin and rely on returning to water to lay their eggs. The Red-backed Salamander is New York’s most abundant salamander, spending its life in the moist leaf litter of forests.
The state’s freshwater ecosystems, including the Finger Lakes and major river systems, support robust populations of fish. This includes the state’s official freshwater fish, the Brook Trout. Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass are popular and widespread species found in New York’s many lakes and streams. Along the Atlantic coast, the Striped Bass is a prominent saltwater species, migrating seasonally.
Wildlife in Urban and Suburban Settings
Many species have successfully adapted their behaviors and diets to thrive within New York’s urban and suburban environments. The Virginia Opossum, North America’s only marsupial, is a common nocturnal resident, using its generalized diet and ability to den in various sheltered locations. Red and Gray Foxes are increasingly seen in suburban neighborhoods and city parks, often hunting for rodents and utilizing landscaping cover.
Pigeons are the most ubiquitous urban bird, but Peregrine Falcons have made a remarkable comeback by nesting on skyscraper ledges, which mimic their natural cliffside habitats. These falcons prey on smaller birds, showcasing an adaptation to the vertical urban landscape. This close proximity to humans necessitates coexistence strategies to mitigate potential conflicts.
Securing trash in tightly sealed containers is the most effective way to discourage visits from Raccoons, Skunks, and Coyotes. Feeding wildlife, whether intentionally or accidentally, should be avoided entirely, as it causes animals to lose their natural fear of humans and can lead to aggressive behaviors. Appreciating wildlife from a distance and sealing potential entry points into homes promotes a safer environment for both people and the animals that have made New York’s cities their home.