Return of the Wild(er) Things

Babylon is scenic and tree-shaded, as suburbs go, but most of us don't think of our patch of Long Island as a habitat for a diverse array of wild animals. But with the recent expansion of the red fox into our area, and a plethora of bird sightings from large hawks to great herons, Patch wondered if wildlife has been on a rebound in our area.

Long-time birder and Great South Bay Audubon Society columnist Bob Grover thinks so. Populations of red fox, always relatively plentiful on Long Island, always wax and wane, but several years ago, they began to be spotted in new areas, including the Southards Pond and Belmont Lake greenbelt and the Hawley's Pond woods by the intersection of Route 231 and Montauk Highway. The reasons for their appearance in the neighborhood are unclear.

"A friend of mine even saw one recently on Reid Avenue in Babylon Village. They have been seen in other local neighborhoods, as well. They are fun to see, but how long they will be around is anyone’s guess," Grover, who lives in West Islip, noted.

"Other mammals that are attempting to gain a foothold [nearby] include the river otter and beaver. I believe that we can also expect colonization of Long Island by coyotes in the near future. Their range is moving east and they have been seen in the Bronx and Manhattan. That will be interesting. Bobcats are expanding throughout New York State, as well. Who knows, could they be far behind?"

Babylon residents have posted photos of foxes on residential streets on Facebook; the appearance of the small mammal feels exotic in an area more accustomed to squirrels, raccoons and stray cats.

But Grover points out that the natural world is thriving right outside our doorsteps. Southards Pond also sees many ospreys, red-tailed hawks, and great blue herons, in addition to woodpeckers, bats, painted and snapping turtles, and cottontail rabbits.

Eastern Long Island has seen a successful reintroduction of wild turkey, and some scattered sightings of river otter and even beaver. It remains to be seen how far west these animals can venture, but in many parts of the Northeast, a decrease in local farming and increase in wooded areas has helped native species reclaim some of their natural territory.

Will we see coyote and bobcat on Long Island again one day? No one can say for sure, but the ability of many species to survive, and even, thrive in a suburban landscape is encouraging for wildlife advocate and hobbyists. In the mean time, if you snap a great shot of red foxes in your backyard, or a bird in flight on your next walk through your local woods, share it here on Patch.