With a population of 13,581 and counting, more people live around and interact with the various plants and animals of Oak Park than ever before. Ventura County and California at large have always been a hotspot for diverse wildlife and ecosystems, from mule deer and coyotes to seagulls, squirrels and the common brush rabbit. It is this abundance, however, that makes a slowly growing human population all the more scary.

“Animals need to move around to thrive,” Laura Deehan wrote for Environment California, a nonprofit advocating for environmental legislation in the Golden State. “Fast-moving vehicles smash the critters when they’re forced to cross roads that split their habitat. Wildlife is also harmed by the effects of climate change, such as drought and extreme heat.”

Sustaining the unique habitats around us is more vital to human safety than some of us may think. At a time when the Arctic Circle, one of the coldest ecosystems on the planet, is projected to see temperatures rise 1.1 degrees Fahrenheit per decade by 2040, it’s important we at least try to balance our human wants with what the planet needs.

As our beloved Oak Park continues to jut above the curve in population and other areas, it’s crucial that our local environment stays as strong as the foundation of our many apartments, school buildings and townhouses. Let these photos remind anyone who scrolls through them that these little critters have a life, too—even if they’ll never be able to sit down in one of these institutions and struggle to understand Calculus BC.

“Wildlife does more than populate our hills and shrublands,” senior Alan Piao said. “It keeps our homes free of pests, keeps our ecosystems balanced, and gives our community character. They’re much more than just a pretty sight.”

In ensuring sustainability for the furry, feathery and scaly creatures around us, both humans and animals can create a better future for all.