And with good reason.ДЇlanked by the gentle turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the majestic Atlantic Ocean on the other, this historic, archeologically significant road, with its endless vistas, unique flora and fauna and world renowned recreational areas, is a destination unto itself. Spanning 110 Miles over 43 alluring islands, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is FloridaвЂ™s only вЂњAll-American RoadвЂќ - a prestigious designation it shares with only 29 other American roadways. Key West may be one of AmericaвЂ™s most notorious end-of-the-road party towns, but in this case, getting there can be as much fun as the destination itself. If you see an animal that doesnвЂ™t seem to belong, contact an Urban Park Ranger or a licensed rehabilitator who can help get the animal to safety.The Journey Is The Destination Key Largo to Key West Via FloridaвЂ™s Only All-American Road Those who do will die from lack of open water and food come winter. When abandoned in City parks, most donвЂ™t survive more than 24 hours. Also unlike their wild counterparts, they donвЂ™t have the natural instincts to forage for food or defend themselves from predators. This most frequently happens to domestic ducks, who cannot fly. People often mistakenly release domestic animals into urban greenspaces. While the wildlife mentioned here have adapted to grueling New York City winters, the same sadly does not hold true for all animals. In a collaborative survival move, ducks on the Reservoir will oftentimes swim together in a circle to bring food to the surface of the water. The Reservoir is a popular winter destination for birders looking to document waterfowl, as the population also includes migratory ducks (including ruddy and bufflehead ducks). If you donвЂ™t see them at the Harlem Meer or the Lake, youвЂ™ll find them at the Reservoir, where the waterвЂ™s surface is usually too large to freeze.

We didn't forget about you, Holden! After smaller water bodies-such as the Pond-freeze over, ducks will begin the search for open water. Just keep a respectful distance and continue on your way. If you do spot a raccoon in the daytime, they should not be considered dangerous or assumed to carry rabies (which is extremely rare). ItвЂ™s completely normal for a healthy raccoon to be out and about at all hours as they've adapted to stay awake when food is most readily available. Unfortunately, many people are misinformed about raccoons, which has devastating ramifications for these animals. However, when food is scarce, they can sleep for a week or two curled up in a reduced metabolic state known as torpor.

During summer and fall, raccoons will eat a lot of fat, storing most of it in their tail which they use like a blanket in winter. To best take advantage of that additional warmth, they stick together in a group, cuddling in hollowed out trees and other natural nooks.

When the temperature dips below 20 degrees, how do these notoriously opportunistic woodland residents stay warm? Like other snow-dwelling mammals (ahem, humans), they put on a coat! RaccoonsвЂ™ coats will grow thicker during the winter, trapping in heat. We spoke with Sergeant Rob Mastrianni of the Urban Park Rangers who gave us a peek into the many fascinating ways that Central ParkвЂ™s wildlife makes it through the winter. But itвЂ™s our partners at NYC Parks who manage all animal activity. We leave snags (dead or dying trees) in the woodlands that provide refuge and an abundant supply of food, and we prioritize nourishing native plant species throughout the Park. The Central Park Conservancy cares for these creaturesвЂ™ habitat year-round. While many migrate to warmer climates, plenty of mammals, birds, and reptiles have adapted to survive the cold, employing various winter strategies that will get them to spring. When the animal population is faced with freezing temperatures and icy conditions, вЂtis the season for survival. Every winter, visitors from all over the world ask us: Where do the animals that make the woodlands and water bodies buzz during the warmer seasons go in the cold winter months? And the habits of our feathered, furry, and scaled neighbors don't just pique the interest of Holden Caulfield. Part of what makes Central Park so special is the diverse wildlife population that resides here. December 6, 2021: This article has been updated to reflect changes since its original publishing.

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