Explore Creature Connections During Wildlife in the City Week

From butterflies to beavers and from foxes to coyotes (!), wild creatures are part of Puget Sound’s urban landscape. Even bears have been spotted in backyards and in our communities. As Seattle's pace of growth accelerates, threatening natural habitat, we need to rethink how we co-exist with wild neighbors. 

Get kids learning and thinking about our creature connections during Seattle's first-ever Wildlife in the City Week, held from May 1-6. Kids and families can participate in a range of events that help us learn how to champion urban wildlife at home and in our community. Here are some of the family-friendly events that are planned; check the website for a full list.  

Ranger Rick pop-up, May 2, 3-5 p.m.: Join Ranger Rick, Discovery Park naturalists and Seattle University students to discover the wildlife living in and around Yesler Community Center, with activities include exploring wildlife in the local neighborhood, a nature scavenger hunt, creating wildlife crafts and photo opps. –

Cougars in the City talk, May 2, 7 p.m.: At this Pacific Science Center talk, National Wildlife Federation's Beth Pratt will share the story of P-22, the young male cougar who crossed two major Los Angeles freeways when he left his mother and struck out to find his own territory, ending up in Griffith Park — one of the largest urban parks in the country and home to the world-famous Hollywood sign. Admission is $5. Free for Pacific Science Center members. 

Ranger Rick at the Mariners, May 3, 7 p.m.: Want an excuse to go to the ballpark? There will be a Seattle Wildlife in the City Celebration at Mariners vs. Angels game. Ranger Rick will make an appearance at the NWF table on the main concourse.

Ranger Rick library visit, May 5, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Head to the High Point branch for wildlife story time, including story telling, crafts and fun. 

Wildlife in the City festival, May 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Pacific Science Center hosts a festival that invites families to come dressed as their favorite animals and discover wild neighbors with local experts. The event will include crafts and hands-on activities, guest appearances by Ranger Rick and more. (Combine with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors!) 

More ways to connect with wildlife

- Go on an urban wildlife hike. The Seattle area is laced with hidden urban wildlife pockets; here are some fun and easy trails that spotlight wildlife from frogs to beavers to birds. 

- Explore a local nature center. These urban nature preserves have trails and educational programs galore.