New York CityThey’ve been called “tree rats,” maligned in pop culture, and otherwise ignored as urban pests. But the humble eastern gray squirrel is finally getting some time in the spotlight, thanks to the first-ever Central Park Squirrel Census.

Last October, more than 300 volunteers fanned out over the famous New York City green space, covering more than 840 acres over 11 days. Their goal: Count every single squirrel they could see.

And tonight, within the hallowed halls of the Explorers Club, project leaders revealed the final tally: An estimated 2,373 squirrels live in Central Park.

“I was trying to make an educated guess,” says census logistics chief Sally Parham. “I got a number that was huge and I