1

Coyotes

Image: Ray Hennessy

Coyotes have a natural talent for survival, and they are built to thrive in any environment, including cities where food is readily available everywhere.

As it has been noticed multiple times, coyotes have deciphered how semaphors work and wait for the red light to cross the street.

2

Black bears

Image: Bruce Warrington

Studies have shown that female black bears living in urban areas aged one to one and a half years weighed nearly twice as much as their country counterparts. Some of those urban female bears produced cubs, while none of the rural bears of the same age reproduced.

Curiously, bears seem to know when it is trash day and will scavenge for food in trash cans on those dates specifically.

3

Raccoons

Image: Ralf Volkmer

Raccoons that live in urban environments are more exploratory than their country cousins, taking more time to investigate the squares. Some raccoons even figure out how to yank bungee cords off of trash cans .

These city animals are also more social, traveling in pairs more often than their rural relatives.

4

Bald eagles

Image: Alexas_Fotos

Believe it or not, in the 1960s, the bald eagle was on the verge of extinction due to the use of pesticides. But since those pesticides have been banned, their population has rebounded, and they're no longer on the list of endangered species.

City eagles need only a place to nest and a clean source of food, which can even be a trashcan, and they’ve figured out how to use city infrastructure like cellphone towers, bridges, and cranes along waterways .

5

Pigeons

Image: Dawood Javed

Possibly the most urban animal on the list, aside from rats, pigeons are uniquely suited to urban life. They can recognize human faces , so they know which people have fed them before.

These creatures have an incredible ability to distribute themselves, so there are never more pigeons than available food. A park with twice as much food as another park will also have twice as many pigeons.

6

Booklice

Image: Brett Jordan

Whether we see it or not, our homes are filled with insect life. One of them, booklice, has found that the starch in book bindings makes an ideal food source.

Booklice have adapted to suck the moisture directly out of the air and can live off that vapour for three weeks, avoiding dehydration.

7

Squirrels

Image: Mark Brennan

Squirrels and urban environments have gotten along for a long time now. There’s ample food and shelter, and few natural predators. They’ve learned to live in much greater densities in cities than they do in other environments, and they can tell which humans will feed them .

8

Sparrows

Image: Carlos Quintero

The sparrows that live in New York City have become night owls, staying out later to feed because the bright lights around buildings draw plenty of insects .

9

Rats

Image: Joshua J. Cotten

Almost no one would call a rat clean, but contrary to popular belief, city rats tend to carry fewer diseases and parasites than rural ones because they have less contact with livestock excrement from farms, and their human neighbors don’t harbor many parasites.

10

Ospreys

Image: KaroGraphix Photography

Ospreys have seen their numbers grow in North America partially because they have forsaken trees in favor of building their 250-pound nests on power poles, cell phone towers, channel markers , and other human-made structures.

11

Crows

Image: Veronica Dudarev

Crows are very smart creatures, and they have learned to use the city infrastructure to their advantage. These birds drop nuts and bones from great heights to crack the hard outer shells so that they can reach the food inside. City crows simply drop the previously impenetrable food into the street and let the cars crack it open .

12

Tomcods

Image: John Werner

Nature can adapt to almost anything, and tomcods are living proof of this. A very polluted segment of the Hudson River is home to these humble fish, who have adapted to its contaminated waters through genetic variations that allow them to thrive in such conditions.

1

The "Dream Team"

Image: Markus Spiske

We’ll start with what many believe to be the greatest sports team ever assembled . Before the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona, the rules stated by the International Basketball Federation prevented professional players from competing in Olympic tournaments. However, once this rule was revoked, the United States saw this opportunity to summon the very best the NBA had to offer. And with that, the "Dream Team" was born.

The Dream Team roster included basketball legends like Michael Jordan , Patrick Ewing, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird. Accordingly, their performance was flawless: The American team stampeded through every match, earning the gold medal in a 117–85 victory over Croatia.

2

Muhammad Ali

Image: Johann Walter Bantz

There’s no denying that Muhammad Ali’s nickname "The Greatest" is very well-deserved: Few boxers have left a mark as indelible in the history of this sport as Ali has. Bearing that in mind, it seems only fitting to take a look at the point in time at which his transformation into a sports legend began, and most boxing enthusiasts agree that this took place during his outstanding performance at the 1960 Olympics.

Before the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) was a promising but relatively unknown pugilist from Kentucky. However, that 18-year-old boxer showed the world who he was by winning the light-heavyweight gold medal, the first achievement in a career filled with nothing but greatness.

3

Michael Phelps

Image: Gentrit Sylejmani

Speaking of nicknames, American swimmer Michael Phelps has also earned his share of monikers, like "The Flying Fish" or "The Baltimore Bullet". Phelps’ achievements are not restricted to just one Olympics: This iconic athlete had incredible performances in five separate Olympics, becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time in the process.

Michael made his Olympic debut at the young age of 15, becoming the youngest male to make a U.S. Olympic swim team in 68 years. By the time he participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he was already an outstanding competitor: Phelps earned first place in eight different categories, breaking the record for most gold medals won in a single Olympics.

4

Simone Biles

Image: Eduardo Cano Photo Co.

During the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, American gymnast Simone Biles dazzled the world with her debut performance. She earned four gold medals, one as part of the U.S. gymnastic team known as the "Final Five". With an impressive total of 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, Simone is the most decorated gymnast in history.

Nowadays, at age 27, Biles still competes professionally, earning her eighth U.S. Gymnastics title in 2023. Her determination and impressive skills made her the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.

5

Joan Benoit

Image: sporlab

In March 1984, American marathon runner Joan Benoit injured her knee while training for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. This forced Benoit to undergo surgery just 17 days before the trials. While this could have understandably been the end of her Olympic dream, Benoit was not daunted by this dreadful situation: Instead, she recovered much more quickly than expected and earned her place in the American team.

While this feat alone is remarkable, Benoit didn’t stop there . She went on to win the gold medal in the Los Angeles Olympics, becoming the first women's Olympic Games marathon champion in history.

6

The "Miracle on Ice"

Image: gerhard crous

Just like with the "Dream Team", the American ice hockey team's victory in the 1980 Winter Olympics was a team effort. However, while the Dream Team was fully expected to earn the gold medal, the American team’s win over the heavily favored Soviet Union was so unexpected that it is now known as "The Miracle on Ice".

The United States faced the Soviet Union in the first game in the medal round. The odds heavily favored the Soviet team, since it was a four-time defending gold medalist. Not only that, their players were more experienced and seasoned compared to the American team, the youngest team in the entire tournament. And yet, the underdog prevailed: the American team upset the Soviets and won the game 4-3. After this remarkable victory, the U.S. team defeated Finland in their final game and earned the gold medal.

7

Mary Lou Retton

Image: Vladyslav Melnyk

The 1984 Los Angeles Games introduced the world to the energetic gymnast Mary Lou Retton, who quickly and understandably gained the nickname "America’s Sweetheart" . Retton’s pleasant demeanor and unforgettable smile were only eclipsed by her amazing talent: She scored perfect tens and won the individual all-around gold medal, the first female gymnast from outside Eastern Europe to achieve this feat.

What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is the fact that Retton had just recovered from suffering a severe knee injury just five weeks before the Olympics. She was forced to undergo an operation, recovering just in time for the competition. Nevertheless, Retton’s outstanding performance secured her a place among the greatest Olympians of all time.

8

Carl Lewis

Image: Braden Collum

Track and field star Carl Lewis truly made a name for himself throughout his 17-year career: He set world records in three different disciplines and amassed a total of nine Olympic gold medals and 10 World Championships medals. Nevertheless, however fruitful his career was, Lewis is still most fondly remembered for his debut in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, considered one of the best Olympic debuts in history.

During his first Olympic games, Lewis won the gold medal in all four events he entered: 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4x100-meter relay, on which he set a world-record time of 37.83 seconds. This exceptional performance proved to be only the beginning of an outstanding athletic career.

9

The Williams Sisters

Image: Josephine Gasser

Venus and Serena Williams truly need no introduction: these sisters have earned 22 women’s doubles titles, as well as a combined total of 30 Grand Slam titles. Naturally, their outstanding careers include several achievements in the Olympics, both playing individually and as a team.

Perhaps the most iconic of these Olympic wins is the sisters’ first doubles championship win, which they achieved during the 2000 Olympics. While many gold medals would follow this first one, their triumph in Sydney showed the tennis world that they were truly a force to be reckoned with.

10

1996 Atlanta Olympics Opening Ceremony

Image: Igor Lepilin

We’ll end this list with one of the most touching instances in Olympic history. Granted, this moment is not an athletic landmark, but rather a celebration of one of America’s most inspiring athletes. The Olympic opening ceremony is always an extraordinary display of energy and excitement, during which the entire world expectantly awaits that moment at which the cauldron is finally lit. In that regard, the opening of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics is still fondly remembered, thanks to the legend that officially inaugurated the games.

Muhammad Ali ’s declining health didn’t stop him from lighting the cauldron in the Atlanta Games. This spectacle was particularly moving not only because of Ali’s battle against Parkison’s Disease but also because it symbolized the passing of the torch from one of history’s most prominent sports legends to a new generation of American athletes.

1

Empire State Building

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

We’ll begin with what’s perhaps the most famous skyscraper in "The City That Never Sleeps". The Empire State Building speaks to the magnificence and grandeur of New York City: After all, it is named after the State of New York’s official nickname, "The Empire State".

At the time of its construction, the Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world, a title held for almost 40 years. Its exquisite Art Deco design and innovative architecture have turned it into an instantly recognizable icon. Perhaps more famously, it has been featured in unforgettable pictures like "Sleepless in Seattle" and "King Kong". Be honest: Whenever you see a picture of this building, can’t you almost see a humongous ape perched atop its antenna?

2

Flatiron Building

Image: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

For many, the most remarkable feature of this iconic building is its unusual name, which comes from its also rather unusual shape. The Flatiron is considered a New York City institution, and its history is almost as inspiring as its groundbreaking design.

In its early years, the Flatiron was known by the derisive nickname "Burnham's Folly", since detractors believed that architect Daniel Burnham’s design was a laughable idea. History would prove Burnham right though, since the Flatiron is still one of the most instantly recognizable skyscrapers in the world.

3

Willis Tower

Image: Gardhy Granados

For any Chicagoan who might be reading this, we know that you probably still call this building the "Sears Tower", but we thought it would be appropriate to include the official new name of this iconic skyscraper. Located in the heart of the "Loop", the Willis Tower is a 110-story, 1,451-foot building that has truly earned its place in Chicago’s skyline.

Since its opening in 1973, Willis Tower has proudly held the title of the world’s tallest building for close to 25 years. Regardless, this juggernaut is still an American landmark and one of Chicago’s most visited tourist attractions.

4

Transamerica Pyramid

Image: Chris Leipelt

While most pictures of San Francisco’s skyline are usually dominated by the Golden Gate Bridge, visitors of "The City by the Bay" are frequently dazzled by this unusual yet breathtaking building. Completed in 1972, the Transamerica Pyramid was San Francisco’s tallest building until 2018, when it was surpassed by the Salesforce Tower.

Without a doubt, the most striking aspect of this building is its groundbreaking design: Just like San Francisco’s carefree spirit of independence, this building seems effortlessly innovative. It has been compared to other revolutionary designs, most notably to "the Shard" building in London.

5

Columbia Center

Image: Anthony Alexander

Formerly known as "the Bank of America Tower" (or BOAT for short), the Columbia Center was constructed in downtown Seattle in the early ‘80s: At the time, this imposing black skyscraper was the highest building on the West Coast. While most of this skyscraper is leased for private usage, it does house the highest public viewing area west of the Mississippi River.

The Columbia Center’s design produces a rather interesting effect: Since the building is composed of 3 separate segments joined by 2 setbacks, viewers from the street might believe the Columbia Center is made from 3 different towers set side to side.

6

The Chrysler Building

Image: Anthony Fomin

As you probably expected, many iconic skyscrapers from "The City That Never Sleeps" will be featured in this article. The Chrysler Building is an art-deco masterpiece located at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, which holds the distinction of being the world’s very first supertall skyscraper.

This building was commissioned by (and named after) Walter Chrysler, head of the Chrysler Corporation, and its construction was marked by a friendly competition with the Empire State Building for the title of the world’s tallest building. In that sense, the Chrysler Building’s remarkable 1,046 feet height gave it this impressive title, albeit only for 11 months.

7

Wells Fargo Plaza

Image: Franky Magana

If you ever find yourself taking a stroll through Downtown Houston, you’ll definitely come across a gorgeous all-glass skyscraper. You can’t miss it: After all, the Wells Fargo Plaza is the tallest all-glass building in the entire Western Hemisphere, standing at an impressive 992 feet.

This skyscraper was formerly known as the Allied Bank Plaza and in, 1988, it was renamed to the First Interstate Bank Plaza. However, when in 1996 First Interstate Bancorp was bought by Wells Fargo, this skyscraper changed its name once again to the Wells Fargo Plaza we all know.

8

John Hancock Center

Image: Jonathan J. Castellon

Founding Father John Hancock truly deserves all the praise it can receive from the American people, so it stands to reason that he should have his name honored by a 1,128-foot supertall skyscraper. Located in the iconic "Magnificent Mile", the John Hancock Center was for a while the tallest building in Chicago, surpassed by the previously mentioned Willis Tower.

This skyscraper was completed in 1969 and it has remained a Chicago staple ever since. It houses several restaurants and offices, as well as approximately 700 condominiums. Interestingly, the John Hancock Center is the background on which the 1988 horror film "Poltergeist III" takes place: Posters for this film featured this skyscraper, with a menacing lighting bolt crossing the night sky behind it.

9

Bank of America Plaza

Image: Luis Negron

Just like the Empire State and the Chrysler buildings, the Bank of America Plaza is another wonderful example of Art Deco architecture located between Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. This gorgeous skyscraper is instantly recognizable thanks to its unusual color palette, and it holds the distinction of being the tallest building of any U.S. state capital.

If you are lucky enough to visit "the City in a Forest", try to visit the Bank of America Plaza at night. You’ll quickly notice that the stunning golden spire at the top of the building (which is actually shaped like the Plaza itself) glows alongside a gorgeous pyramid of girders, in a lovely orange hue that tries to resemble old street lights.

10

Home Insurance Building

Image: Александр Македонский

We’ll end this article by honoring an iconic skyscraper that, while it is not still standing, lives on in the proud history of our country. Standing at 138 feet, the Home Insurance Building might not seem remarkably tall by today's standards but, at the time of its construction in 1885, this Chicago historical landmark became the world’s very first skyscraper.

Due to a decrease in its occupancy, the Home Insurance Building was demolished in 1931, alongside 5 other buildings, to make way for the site on which the Field Building now stands. However, this landmark’s legacy still stands, earning its well-deserved place in history as the father of the skyscraper.