Maryland’s cities aren’t just bustling with people—they’re also buzzing with unexpected wildlife. From sly foxes to curious raccoons, these animals have found clever ways to live right alongside us.
I’ve been surprised myself spotting deer nibbling near a busy street or hearing an owl hoot in the middle of town. It’s a reminder that nature isn’t far away, even in the heart of the city.
Let’s take a look at some of the wild neighbors that could be hanging out in your own backyard.
1. Red Foxes
These clever canines have become masters of urban living across Maryland. They snack on rodents, making them helpful neighbors for keeping pest populations down.
In Rockville neighborhoods, red foxes are often spotted at dawn or dusk, trotting confidently through yards. Their distinctive bushy tails and reddish-orange coats make them unmistakable visitors.
2. White-tailed Deer
Graceful yet troublesome, these hoofed mammals frequently visit gardens in Maryland cities. They’re particularly fond of hostas, tulips, and other landscaping favorites.
Annapolis residents often wake to find their prized plants nibbled overnight. Despite their beauty, white-tailed deer carry ticks and can cause traffic accidents, creating a complex relationship with human neighbors.
3. Eastern Cottontail Rabbits
Fluffy and adorable, these small mammals thrive in Maryland’s urban green spaces. Their rapid reproduction means you might spot several generations in a single season.
Baltimore residents often find these cotton-puffed visitors munching on clover in their lawns. While charming to watch, cottontails can devastate vegetable gardens, prompting many Maryland gardeners to install protective fencing.
4. Raccoons
With their masked faces and dexterous paws, raccoons have earned a reputation as Maryland’s midnight bandits. Their problem-solving abilities allow them to defeat most trash can security measures.
Columbia homeowners often discover overturned garbage cans courtesy of these nocturnal visitors. Their intelligence makes raccoons fascinating but frustrating neighbors throughout Maryland’s suburban communities.
5. Eastern Box Turtles
Slow-moving but determined, these colorful reptiles might be wandering through your Maryland yard right now. Their high-domed shells feature unique orange and yellow patterns.
Gaithersburg gardeners sometimes discover these native turtles munching on fallen berries or mushrooms. Unfortunately, Maryland’s box turtle populations face threats from habitat loss and road mortality throughout the state.
6. Groundhogs
Also called woodchucks, these rotund rodents are impressive diggers that create extensive burrow systems. Their excavations can undermine structures and create tripping hazards.
Frederick homeowners often spot these chunky creatures sunning themselves in yards. Maryland groundhogs hibernate through winter, emerging in early spring to the mixed delight and frustration of suburban residents.
7. Opossums
North America’s only marsupial brings unexpected benefits to Maryland neighborhoods. These tick-devouring machines can consume thousands of disease-carrying parasites each season.
Silver Spring residents might glimpse these nocturnal creatures waddling through gardens after dark. Despite their rat-like appearance and tendency to play dead, opossums are gentle, beneficial neighbors throughout Maryland’s urban areas.
8. Eastern Chipmunks
Pocket-sized and perpetually busy, these striped rodents dart through Maryland gardens collecting seeds and nuts. Their cheek pouches can expand to three times the size of their heads!
Bethesda homeowners often hear their distinctive chip-chip-chip calls throughout neighborhoods. Though small, Maryland chipmunks can cause big problems by burrowing under patios or foundations when establishing their underground homes.
9. Barred Owls
Mysterious night hunters with soulful dark eyes, these woodland birds have adapted surprisingly well to Maryland suburbs. Their distinctive “who-cooks-for-you” call echoes through neighborhoods after dark.
Ellicott City residents sometimes spot these magnificent birds perched in large trees at dusk. Maryland’s barred owls help control rodent populations, making them valuable (if sometimes spooky) neighbors.
10. Black Bears
Surprising but true – black bears occasionally wander into Maryland’s more rural suburbs. These powerful omnivores are typically shy but can become bold when food sources like bird feeders or unsecured trash are available.
Western Maryland communities like Cumberland occasionally report bear sightings in residential areas. While rare in central Maryland neighborhoods, increasing bear populations mean more potential backyard encounters throughout the state.