Chicago, a sprawling metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a vibrant urban environment that, despite its dense population and extensive development, supports a surprising array of wildlife. The city’s diverse habitats, from parks and green spaces to waterways and even residential areas, provide refuge and resources for numerous animal species. This unique coexistence between humans and nature offers residents daily opportunities to observe and appreciate wild animals within the city limits.
Everyday Urban Dwellers
The most commonly encountered wild animals in Chicago’s neighborhoods, parks, and suburban areas are those that have successfully adapted to human-dominated landscapes. Eastern gray squirrels and fox squirrels are frequently seen in Chicago, adapting their habitats to different urban settings. While gray squirrels often inhabit wealthier areas, fox squirrels tend to thrive in less affluent neighborhoods or those with more predators. These agile rodents typically produce two litters of young annually.
Eastern cottontail rabbits are a common presence, representing the only wild rabbit species found throughout Chicago. They reside in residential gardens and parks, seeking cover in taller vegetation or shrubs. Raccoons, known for their nocturnal habits, are prevalent in areas with trees, utilizing human-built structures like attics, chimneys, or spaces under decks for shelter. They breed in late winter and give birth to three to four young in the spring.
Opossums, the only marsupial native to North America, have also adapted to Chicago’s urbanized regions, often finding shelter in sheds, brush piles, or under structures. These omnivores contribute to the urban ecosystem by consuming various pests. Many common bird species, such as pigeons, sparrows, and robins, are also regular sights, often thriving amidst urban development by utilizing readily available food sources like trash or pet food.
Larger and More Elusive Residents
Beyond the familiar small creatures, Chicago is also home to larger mammals and predators, though they are less frequently observed by the average resident due to their size, nocturnal tendencies, or cautious nature. Coyotes are common throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, even in the heart of the city. Urban coyotes adapt by shifting their activity to nighttime hours to avoid human interaction. These canids play a role in controlling populations of rodents, deer, and Canada geese.
White-tailed deer are present in Chicago, found in larger parks and forest preserves. Red foxes, while less numerous than coyotes, are also found in the city, frequently sighted near the lakefront and in various parks, including downtown areas. These foxes are increasingly moving into urban environments to avoid competition and predation from coyotes. Red foxes are solitary and primarily nocturnal, though they may be seen during early morning or late evening hunts, preying on small mammals like rats and squirrels.
Waterways and Winged Wonders
Chicago’s extensive network of waterways, including Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and various canals, supports a diverse array of aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife, while the city’s location also makes it a significant route for migratory birds. The Chicago River system alone is home to hundreds of species, with over 70 different fish species identified. Common fish found in the river include common carp, bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and rock bass.
Turtles are abundant in the Chicago River, with species such as snapping, spiny softshell, map, and painted turtles observed swimming in its waters. Beavers have made a notable comeback and are now a common sight along the Chicago River, where they forage and den along naturalized river edges. Muskrats also inhabit the riparian zones of the river system.
Lake Michigan serves as a natural corridor for migrating waterfowl, and large numbers of ducks and geese are frequently seen along its shores. Wading birds like the great blue heron, little green heron, and the black-crowned night heron can be spotted along the river and in various green spaces. Chicago’s green spaces and lakefront attract a broad spectrum of migratory and resident bird species, with over 300 different kinds recorded along the Chicago River.
Living Alongside Wildlife
Coexisting peacefully with Chicago’s diverse wildlife involves adopting responsible practices that minimize human-animal conflicts. Refrain from feeding wild animals, as this can lead to them associating humans with food, causing them to lose their natural wariness. Human food is often detrimental to an animal’s health, leading to dental problems or nutritional deficiencies.
Securing trash properly in robust containers with tight-fitting lids prevents animals like raccoons and opossums from accessing discarded food. Pet owners should keep their animals leashed when outdoors, and indoor cats are safer from urban predators while also protecting local bird populations. Maintaining a respectful distance from wild animals and observing them without disturbance is recommended.
Reducing potential shelter by removing tall grass, brush piles, or dead trees, and trimming tree branches away from roofs, can deter animals from denning near homes. Implementing fencing can also be effective in deterring animals like rabbits and deer from gardens.