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Critters of New York

What Killed Flaco: NYC’s Failure to Containerize Trash

Rats, fed by an endless stream of al fresco garbage, are also digesting new poisons meant to kill them—and, inadvertently, the birds that snack on them.

March 26, 2024

Political Neophyte Trounces Adams and Cuomo in New Poll Ahead of 2025 Election

One important name has gone unmentioned in recent polls—until Hell Gate stepped into the arena.

January 5, 2024

The River Hag of Newtown Creek

Greenpoint resident Karolina Zaniesienko has spent the past year fishing the polluted creek—and has created a living diorama of what she's found in a fish tank in her living room.

December 14, 2023

Flaco Goes Downtown

The beloved owl and zoo escapee has reappeared on the Lower East Side. Now that he's there, will he finally find what he's searching for? Or get laid?

November 7, 2023

New Yorkers Want Their Beach Access. NYC’s Only Endangered Species Just Wants to Survive

Piping plovers in the Rockaways are struggling to recover, in large part due to human activity.

September 27, 2023

Up All Night at the 9/11 Tribute in Light, Looking Out for Birds

September 11 can be an especially rough day for birds in New York City, thanks to the twin lights of the annual memorial.

September 12, 2023

My Horny Raccoon Roommate and Me

Why did a raccoon take up residence on my fire escape, and then begin masturbating?

September 5, 2023

Cat Fight

Altruism gone wrong in New York City’s cat rescue community.

June 22, 2023

Flying Squirrels? NYC’s Got ‘Em

And sometimes, they visit your fire escape.

May 29, 2023