Check out these city-dwelling animals from the photo ark

EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL

The growing popularity of city parks have been beneficial for urban squirrel populations. These bushy-tailed mammals (Sciurus carolinensis) thrive off access to a wide range of nut trees.

These images are from the National Geographic Photo Ark, a mission to create a visual archive of the world’s species—before many of them disappear. To date, photographer Joel Sartore has already taken portraits of more than 6,000 animals. Learn more about how you can support the project.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

RACCOON

These adaptable creatures (Procyon lotor) are well accustomed to human settlement. They can use their nimble paws to pry open garbage cans and break into attic spaces for use as dens.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
DUNBAR, NEBRASKA

RED FOX

Human society has had a long and storied relationship with the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), with the canids playing a prominent role in many cultures’ mythologies. Red foxes increasingly feel as comfortable in cities as they do in the countryside—particularly in London.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

NORWAY RAT (BROWN RAT)

One of the most ubiquitous city-dwelling creatures, the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) can be found thriving in basically any human settlement. When living so close together, the daily interactions between urbanites and these rodents can be both awkward and comedic.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
ZOO ATLANTA

GIANT CANADA GOOSE

Changing weather patterns and increasing development have compelled these migratory birds to settle in parking lots and parks throughout North America. The noisy creatures (Branta canadensis maxima) have taken to human environments so well that some communities are seeking ways to humanely control their populations.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
SYLVAN HEIGHTS BIRD PARK

COYOTE PUPPIES

As rural coyote (Canis latrans) populations inflate, these clever beasts have begun appearing in densely populated cities. They have changed their behaviors to adapt to metropolitan areas—in Chicago, coyotes have become nocturnal to minimize contact with humans.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

ROCK DOVE (PIGEON)

These multihued birds have become established residents in cities worldwide. Often found together in flocks, pigeons (Columba livia) can be found roosting on the ledges of skyscrapers and feeding from handouts in city parks.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

MALE AND FEMALE MALLARD DUCKS

Human development has proven beneficial to mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos). These waterfowl can pretty much make a home anywhere they can get access to a body of freshwater: fountains in urban parks, water hazards in golf courses, and even the courtyard of National Geographic’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
NORTHWEST TREK WILDLIFE PARK

CALIFORNIA SEA LION

These aquatic mammals can be found lounging on seaside rocks along the Pacific coastline of the United States. California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are quite comfortable living side by side with humans—one seal pup even wandered into a restaurant in San Diego.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
HOUSTON ZOO

BOBCAT

These evasive big cats are not often spotted by people, but bobcats (Lynx rufus) have been known to prowl the edges of human settlements hunting rodents and other small prey.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOEL SARTORE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK
MILLER PARK ZOO