'Squirrelapooza:' Stories Of And From Central Park Squirrels

CENTRAL PARK, NY — Thanks to the hard work of a group of scientists, statisticians, field managers and volunteers who conducted 2018's Central Park Squirrel Census, New Yorkers know a lot more about the furry park residents than ever before. Now that knowledge is a matter of the public record.

The team behind the Squirrel Census released all of the raw data gathered during its experiment onto New York City's Open Data website this week. The data sets contain information about squirrel populations broken down by each hectare in the park, a map of squirrels by fur color and numerous interesting anecdotes from volunteers on their interactions with Central Park's squirrel residents.

Some great anecdotes include:

"Squirrel #2 climbed a tree and looked at me like I was an idiot. I tapped my button as instructed and it seemed satisfied that I was on official business."

"This area was slightly busy, however it was a great vibe. There were a good amount of squirrels running around and they were actually being friendly. I chased a few up a tree. I felt very alive and happy the whole time."

"I approached Squirrel #1 to make his acquaintance. He noticed my intrusion but did not show signs of distress, nor did he phone the neighborhood watch. Parking myself an acorn's drop from his white belly, I stared up at his perch. We held a respectful gaze."

Check out the data sets by visiting NYC Open Portal.

All of the datasets are free to view or download. For the less data-literate, the team behind the Squirrel Census is still selling its report on the experiment for $75. The report also features a number of interesting maps, an audio report and fun illustrations that wouldn't otherwise come with the raw datasets.

The Squirrel Census was launched in 2018 to count every single squirrel, specifically the Eastern gray (sciurus carolinensis) species, in Central Park. In the end, the team determined that the city's most famous green space is home to an estimated 2,373 Eastern gray squirrels.

The Central Park census wasn't the first time the team came together to count squirrels — they had previously conducted censuses in the Atlanta suburb of Inman Park in 2012 and 2016 — but was seen as the group's "moon mission," organizers told Patch back in 2018.

Read more about how the Squirrel Census was conducted in Patch's previous coverage.