Camera trap images reveal the hidden wildlife of New York City

A collection of motion-triggered cameras in Brooklyn and Long Island is bringing ecologists closer to understanding how wildlife distribution evolves on urban landscapes

By Corryn Wetzel

There are animals hiding in New York City, and ecologist Myles Davis plans to find them.

The biggest city in the US might seem like the last place to find wildlife, save for rats and pigeons. But ask Davis about biodiversity in the area, and he is eager to tell you that the city is teeming with fascinating creatures.

“New Yorkers – we just don’t really know what’s in the city,” says Davis, who grew up in Brooklyn, …