The National Wildlife Federation has named Indianapolis among the top ten cities for wildlife in a recently released ranking in celebration of National Wildlife Week.

Indianapolis was eighth on the list of cities. Factors named included the number of certified wildlife habitats (932); the White River’s importance to the city, both for people and wildlife; and a peregrine falcon named KathyQ, who has her own live feed for people to tune in and watch her daily routine.

“America’s most wildlife-friendly cities are located in every corner of our nation from sea to shining sea,” stated Collin O’Mara, president and chief executive officer of the National Wildlife Federation. “The common thread between these cities is that citizens are coming together for a common purpose: to create a community where people and wildlife can thrive.”

The full top ten went as follows:
1. Austin, Texas
2. Portland, Oregon
3. Atlanta, Georgia
4. Baltimore, Maryland
5. Washington, District of Columbia
6. Seattle, Washington
7. Albuquerque, New Mexico
8. Indianapolis, Indiana
9. Charlotte, North Carolina
10. New York City, New York

Some criteria for the list include the percentage of parkland in each city, citizen action to create wildlife habitat and school adoption of outdoor learning in wildlife gardens.

“No matter where you live in America, amazing wildlife is just outside your front door, even in big cities,” said Patrick Fitzgerald, senior director for community wildlife with the National Wildlife Federation. “Whether you have an enormous yard or just a corner of your school grounds that you can let go wild, everyone benefits when we make nature a welcomed part of our communities.”

Source: National Wildlife Federation