A recent study has revealed that urban animals, including alligators, bats, raccoons, and birds, are using storm water sewer systems in Florida to navigate the city. Researchers deployed motion-activated cameras under manhole covers in Gainesville’s storm water sewers, capturing nearly 3,800 sightings of 35 species.
The study found that mammals, such as raccoons and bats, were the most common inhabitants of the sewers. Raccoons were observed over 1,800 times, while southeastern myotis bats used the sewers to forage for insects and appeared to be roosting underneath manholes.
Alligators, which often get a bad press due to urban legends about them in New York City’s sewers, were surprisingly common. The team recorded 50 alligator sightings, with most appearing to use the sewers as thoroughfares between ponds.
The researchers also observed that snakes and toads frequently entered the sewers during heavy rains but struggled to escape. Installing ramps near storm drains could help trapped animals access safety.
The study highlights the importance of urban infrastructure for wildlife. By making these systems more accessible, authorities could create artificial habitats for species like bats, which are declining due to a lack of suitable environments in urban areas.
While the research focused on Gainesville’s area, it is believed that similar species use storm water sewers throughout Florida. The findings have implications for the management and conservation of urban wildlife.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/13/science/alligators-sewers-florida.html