Maine’s cities aren’t just home to people—they’re bustling with wildlife that’s learned to adapt to urban life. From masked bandits raiding trash cans to majestic birds soaring overhead, these animals have found ways to thrive right alongside us.
You might be surprised to discover just how many wild neighbors are sharing your neighborhood, possibly even visiting your backyard while you sleep.
1. White-Tailed Deer
Spotting a deer munching on your garden plants has become almost routine for many Maine homeowners. These graceful creatures have discovered that city parks and residential areas offer plenty of food and fewer predators than the deep woods.
They’re most active during dawn and dusk, which is when you’ll likely catch them browsing through flower beds or vegetable gardens. Their population has grown so much in urban areas that some neighborhoods now consider them regular residents rather than occasional visitors.
2. Eastern Coyote
With a howl that can send shivers down your spine, coyotes have become surprisingly common in Maine cities. These clever hunters are larger than their western cousins and have adapted remarkably well to urban environments.
They typically hunt alone or in pairs, feeding on small mammals, birds, and sometimes pet food left outside. Most Maine residents never see them despite their presence because coyotes are incredibly stealthy and prefer to avoid human contact whenever possible.
3. Red Fox
Those quick flashes of rusty orange you glimpse at night? That’s probably a red fox making its rounds through your neighborhood. These beautiful animals have thrived in Maine’s urban spaces, finding plenty of mice, rabbits, and insects to sustain them.
Foxes often den under sheds, porches, or in quiet corners of yards, especially during spring when raising their kits. Their adaptability and intelligence make them excellent urban survivors who’ve learned to navigate city life with remarkable ease.
4. Raccoon
No lock seems too tricky for these masked troublemakers who’ve mastered the art of urban living. Raccoons possess incredibly dexterous paws that can open containers, unlatch gates, and even turn doorknobs if given the chance.
Maine cities provide everything raccoons need: abundant food sources, water, and cozy den sites in attics, chimneys, or hollow trees. Their nighttime raids on garbage cans and compost bins have become legendary, though their clever antics are more amusing than threatening to most homeowners.
5. Black Bear
Yes, black bears really do wander into Maine cities, especially during late summer when natural food sources run low. These powerful animals are drawn to bird feeders, garbage, and compost piles that smell like an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Most bears want nothing to do with people and will leave quickly if given an escape route. Maine wildlife officials recommend securing trash, taking down bird feeders in warm months, and never approaching or feeding these magnificent but potentially dangerous visitors.
6. Eastern Gray Squirrel
These acrobatic little athletes have completely conquered Maine’s urban landscape with their fearless attitude and incredible agility. Gray squirrels leap between branches, power lines, and rooftops with seemingly impossible precision, making every tree-lined street their personal playground.
They’re notorious for raiding bird feeders and burying countless nuts in lawns and gardens throughout fall. While some homeowners find them annoying, these bushy-tailed characters add undeniable energy and entertainment to any neighborhood they inhabit.
7. Turkey Vulture
Circling overhead on broad wings, turkey vultures have become increasingly common sights above Maine cities. These misunderstood birds perform essential cleanup duty by consuming carrion that would otherwise spread disease.
Their bald red heads might look strange, but this adaptation keeps them clean while feeding. Maine residents often spot them roosting on tall buildings or cell towers, especially during migration seasons. Despite their somewhat spooky appearance, they’re completely harmless and actually benefit urban ecosystems significantly.
8. Striped Skunk
That unmistakable smell drifting through your neighborhood? A skunk probably just defended itself nearby. These black-and-white creatures are surprisingly gentle and would much rather waddle away than spray, but they won’t hesitate when threatened.
Skunks dig small holes in lawns searching for grubs and insects, which actually helps control pest populations. Maine homeowners often find them denning under decks or sheds during winter, where they’ll stay semi-dormant until spring warmth returns.
9. Bald Eagle
America’s national symbol has made an incredible comeback in Maine, now regularly spotted even in urban areas near water. These majestic raptors hunt fish from rivers, lakes, and coastal waters that run through or border cities.
Their massive nests, some weighing over a thousand pounds, occasionally appear in unexpected places like city parks or golf courses. Watching a bald eagle soar overhead never gets old for Maine residents who remember when these magnificent birds nearly disappeared completely.
10. Fisher Cat
Don’t let the name fool you—fisher cats are actually members of the weasel family and they rarely eat fish. These fierce predators have expanded into Maine cities, following prey like squirrels, rabbits, and even porcupines.
Their bone-chilling screams at night have startled countless Maine residents who mistake the sound for something far more sinister. Though rarely seen due to their secretive nature, fishers are effective hunters that help control rodent populations in urban environments throughout the state.