The Urban Bestiary: Encountering The Everyday Wild

Have you ever taken a moment to observe the diverse wildlife that coexists with humans in urban environments? From squirrels to pigeons, these everyday creatures are often overlooked, disregarded as ordinary or even nuisances. However, upon closer inspection, the urban landscape unveils an enchanting bestiary, brimming with fascinating stories and incredible adaptations.

In this article, we will delve into the hidden world of the urban bestiary, exploring the remarkable lives of these wild beings and the intricate web of interactions they have woven into our cities.

Unleashing the Ever Present Squirrels

Let's start our journey by turning our attention to the ubiquitous squirrels, those agile acrobats traversing the treetops and scurrying across the streets. As we watch these bushy-tailed critters meticulously burying their treasures or leaping from branch to branch, we can't help but admire their resourcefulness and adaptability.

The Urban Bestiary: Encountering the Everyday Wild

by Lyanda Lynn Haupt(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3300 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages

FREE

The gray squirrel, introduced to many urban environments around the world, has become a master at navigating the concrete jungles. They have evolved to exploit man-made structures, such as electric wires, as an efficient means of travel, transforming our cities into their energetic playgrounds.

Exploring the secret lives of squirrels further, we uncover surprising behaviors, like their ability to remember the location of hundreds of different caches of food. This exceptional memory serves not only their survival but also has ecological implications as they contribute to the dispersal of seeds, unintentionally becoming gardeners of our urban landscapes.

Decoding Pigeons: More Than Meets the Eye

Another frequent yet often overlooked resident of the urban bestiary is the pigeon. Revered by some and condemned by others, these birds have a long history intertwined with human civilization. Beneath their seemingly mundane gray feathers lies a complex and fascinating existence.

Contrary to common belief, pigeons are highly intelligent creatures capable of remarkable feats. They possess an unparalleled sense of direction, allowing them to navigate vast distances and return home with unerring accuracy. This unique ability has been exploited by humans for centuries, making them indispensable messengers and heroes during times of war.

Moreover, pigeons have an exceptional visual system, with over 300 degrees of vision, enabling them to detect predators from every angle. This heightened awareness is crucial for their survival in urban environments where potential threats lurk at every corner.

Urban Oases: The Bats That Haunt Our Nights

As the sun sets and darkness descends, a different cast of characters emerges to take their place in the urban bestiary. Bats, often associated with haunted tales and spooky legends, play a vital role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems, even in the heart of our cities.

Contrary to stereotypes, bats are not blind. They possess an intricate echolocation system, emitting sounds that bounce off objects, allowing them to navigate and locate prey with astounding precision. Their presence in urban environments helps control insect populations, acting as natural pest controllers.

By cultivating green spaces and providing suitable habitats, we can encourage bats to reside in our cities. Rooftop gardens, artificial cave structures, and planting native flora are vital steps in creating urban oases that benefit both humans and these mesmerizing nocturnal creatures.

Embracing a New Perspective

The urban bestiary is filled with countless astonishing tales, each creature bringing its own uniqueness to the tapestry of our urban fabric. By taking a moment to pause, observe, and appreciate the lives of these wild inhabitants, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between humans and the natural world.

Let us embark on a journey of exploration and appreciation, as we unravel the wonders of the urban bestiary and rediscover the beauty and magic that lies within our everyday encounters with the wild.

The Urban Bestiary: Encountering the Everyday Wild

by Lyanda Lynn Haupt(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3300 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages

FREE

From the bestselling author of Crow Planet, a compelling journey into the secret lives of the wild animals at our back door.

In The Urban Bestiary, acclaimed nature writer Lyanda Lynn Haupt journeys into the heart of the everyday wild, where coyotes, raccoons, chickens, hawks, and humans live in closer proximity than ever before.

Haupt's observations bring compelling new questions to light: Whose "home" is this? Where does the wild end and the city begin? And what difference does it make to us as humans living our everyday lives?

In this wholly original blend of science, story, myth, and memoir, Haupt draws us into the secret world of the wild creatures that dwell among us in our urban neighborhoods, whether we are aware of them or not. With beautiful illustrations and practical sidebars on everything from animal tracking to opossum removal, The Urban Bestiary is a lyrical book that awakens wonder, delight, and respect for the urban wild, and our place within it.