An area where different habitats meet is called an edge environment or transition area. Certain types of animals may prefer and inhabit this edge environment, for example living in the shelter or cover of trees but going to hunt or feed in an open meadow nearby. Bluebirds are one example of a bird that may use this type of environment. Rabbits and deer may also prefer to feed in open areas but use woodlands as cover from predators. Although gradual transition areas may be beneficial to some species, to others however, abrupt edge areas in particular can be a detriment. Certain species may be more sensitive to predators along edge habitats. In addition, when human development breaks up natural areas into smaller parcels, the remaining areas may be too small to support and provide the resources that a non-edge-using species needs to survive. The disturbed areas may also be more susceptible to invasive species. For information on a 2021 survey conducted on mammals that may be found in the park (including edge users such as raccoons), go to ADD LINK HERE.