The Great New York City Squirrel Census: A Furry Statistical Extravaganza
Ah, the squirrels of New York City. Those bushy-tailed bandits, flitting through parks, brazenly snatching pizza crusts, and generally living their best life in the concrete jungle. But have you ever wondered, just how many of these furry friends call the Big Apple home? Well, my friend, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the fascinating world of squirrel enumeration (that's a fancy way of saying counting squirrels).
The Central Park Caper: Cracking the Code on Critters
Let's start with the crown jewel of New York's green spaces, Central Park. In 2018, intrepid squirrel enthusiasts embarked on a daring mission: The Great Central Park Squirrel Census. Equipped with binoculars, unwavering determination, and possibly a healthy dose of nut-induced bribery, these brave souls counted a staggering 2,373 eastern gray squirrels. That's right, folks, over two thousand fuzzy daredevils zipping around the park!
But wait, there's more! The census also revealed fascinating details about our bushy-tailed brethren. It turns out, 82% are the classic gray variety, while 13% sport a stylish cinnamon coat, and a cool 3.4% rock the all-black look (very metal, squirrels).
Beyond the Park: Squirrels on the Loose!
Now, Central Park might be ground zero for squirrel society, but these resourceful rodents aren't confined to just one borough. They're everywhere! Scampering through Brooklyn Bridge Park, raiding bird feeders in Queens, and causing delightful traffic jams in Staten Island (okay, maybe not that last one).
The big question: how many squirrels are there in ALL of New York City? The honest answer? We don't know for sure. Counting squirrels across all five boroughs is a logistical nightmare (imagine trying to chase a squirrel down a subway tunnel). But hey, that doesn't mean we can't guesstimate!
Here's a fun fact: Central Park is roughly 2.5 square miles. If we take the squirrel density of Central Park and apply it to the entire city (a very rough estimate, mind you), we're looking at millions of squirrels. Millions!
That's right, New York City might just be the biggest squirrel metropolis on Earth!
FAQ: Your Guide to Squirrel Spotting
Intrigued by these fuzzy urbanites? You might be wondering how to get involved in the exciting world of squirrel interaction (minus the rabies, of course). Here are some quick tips:
- How to find squirrels: Visit any New York City park! They're particularly abundant in Prospect Park, Fort Greene Park, and, of course, Central Park.
- How to identify squirrels: Look for bushy tails, beady eyes, and a general aura of mischief. Eastern gray squirrels are the most common, but you might see the occasional red squirrel too.
- How to befriend a squirrel: This is a tricky one. Squirrels are wild animals, so offering them a nut from a safe distance is your best bet. Don't try to pick them up – they have a mean bite!
- How to avoid getting chased by a squirrel: Resist the urge to taunt them with empty food wrappers. Also, don't try to steal their nuts – they work hard for those!
- How to appreciate squirrels: Watch them in their natural habitat. They're surprisingly acrobatic and entertaining creatures.
So there you have it, folks! The next time you're in New York City, keep an eye out for the millions of furry residents – they might just be plotting their next daring pizza heist.
