Wild Animals Thrive in Minneapolis Neighborhoods

Coyotes, foxes, and turkeys spotted as urban wildlife populations grow.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:00pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a wild turkey walking down a residential street, composed entirely of soft pools of warm autumn light and color.The increasing presence of wild turkeys and other urban wildlife in Minneapolis neighborhoods reflects a broader trend of animals adapting to coexist with human development.Minneapolis Today

Wild turkeys, coyotes, and other animals have been spotted increasingly in Minneapolis neighborhoods as these creatures adapt to living alongside humans in the city. MPR News host Angela Davis will be discussing this trend of urban wildlife on her show on Tuesday morning.

Why it matters

The rise of wild animals in Minneapolis reflects a broader trend of wildlife populations thriving in urban areas across the country. As cities expand and natural habitats shrink, some species have proven resilient and able to coexist with human development, presenting both opportunities and challenges for city residents.

The details

Sightings of wild turkeys roaming the streets of northeast Minneapolis and coyotes standing on railway tracks have become more common in recent years. Researchers attribute this to the ability of certain animals to adapt to the food sources and shelter available in urban environments, even as human development encroaches on their natural habitats.

  • MPR News will host a segment on this topic on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 9 a.m.

The players

Angela Davis

Host of the MPR News program that will cover the rise of urban wildlife in Minneapolis.

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The takeaway

The presence of wild turkeys, coyotes, and other animals in Minneapolis neighborhoods highlights the resilience of certain wildlife species and the need for urban planning that balances human development with preserving natural habitats.