Background/Question/Methods: Restricted human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic raised global attention to the presence of wildlife in cities. Here, we analyzed iNaturalist observations of prominent wildlife species in and around North‑American urban centers, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. We suggest that the popular notion of ‘wildlife reclaiming cities’ may have been exaggerated. Results/Conclusions: We found that pumas ventured deeper into urban habitats during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, bears, bobcats, coyotes, and moose did not. Thus, increased sightings of these species in urban areas may reflect changes to human behavior during lockdown periods. Such species differential behavioral responses may highlight their evolutionary history cohabiting human habitats. Our results highlight the importance of urban nature for people during the pandemic, as well as the great potential of citizen science data. Our insights could help manage urban wildlife, better plan greenspaces, and promote positive nature engagements.
