A pair of very different stories offers insight into the urban lives of animals.
Brian Holler reported recently that the Canal & River Trust is installing "duck lanes" in London, Birmingham, and Manchester to provide ducks their own safe passage along local waterways. "The temporary spray-painted sections are designed as a light-hearted way to highlight the narrowness of the lanes, and to promote consideration of the feathered friends," according to Holler. "It is hoped by raising awareness for cyclists, walkers and birds safely sharing the restrictive pathways, the animals will feel comfortable to patter up and down the banks as they please."
Jude Isabella writes a separate article about how city life makes raccoons smarter, opening with anecdotes about the savvy behavior or scavenging raccoons in Toronto. A growing body of research, however, suggests that city raccoons are smarter than rural raccoons. Isabella writes: "Suzanne MacDonald, a comparative psychologist who studies raccoon behavior at York University in Toronto, has compared the problem-solving skills of rural and city raccoons. The result? Urbanites trump their country cousins in both intelligence and ability."
The City Strikes Back from Nautilus on Vimeo.
FULL STORY: Ducks Officially Have Their Own Duck Lanes Near London’s Canal Walkways

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
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LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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