In Big Cypress National Preserve, Fla., on Jan. 9, 2025, an alligator roams the swamp.
John Bateman, Wildlife Professor at Finger Lakes Community College, helps a spotted salamander cross a road Friday, March 28, 2025, in Honeoye, N.Y. Each Spring, salamanders leave their underground winter burrows and migrate to vernal pools in whats known as the Salamander Migration. (AP Photo/Maryel Pryce)
John Cerro looks over the Ranger Tower at Smith Point Beach in Shirley, N.Y. on July 27, 2024.
A four alarm fire took place in a commercial building on Canal St. in Rochester, N.Y. on Nov. 18, 2024. The building's roof had collapsed, and a nearby apartment building was evacuated.
Margie Pryce stands at the edge of the frozen Niagara River on Feb. 5, 2026 in Lewiston, N.Y.
Chefs Rosalia and Jenna eat ice pops while working their closing shift at Babz Bistro in Maysville, K.Y. on Oct. 24, 2025.
The Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y. sits lit up against the backdrop of an abandoned factory parking lot. Niagara Falls used to be one of the biggest cities in the United States but now sits rundown due to a decline in manufacturing jobs and failed urban renewal projects.
Lauran Hardin waits as friends Babz and Al Nartowicz come over for dinner in Mays Lick, K.Y. on Oct. 23, 2025.
John Bateman hands a spotted salamander to Robert, Friday, March 21, 2025, in Mendon, N.Y. (AP Photo/Maryel Pryce)
The annual Rochester Cyclocross race at Genesee Valley Park in Rochester, N.Y. on Sept. 22, 2024.
On Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, voters place their "I Voted" stickers on woman suffragist Susan B. Anthony's headstone in Rochester, N.Y.
Margot Fass poses for a portrait Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Rochester, N.Y. Fass is the owner of A Frog House, a center for local amphibian advocacy. (AP Photo/Maryel Pryce)
Jeffrey Morrow, owner of The Book Corner in Niagara Falls, N.Y., stands amongst rows of books on Feb. 1, 2025.
During Soldier's Through the Ages at Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, N.Y. on May 24, 2026, a reenactor rests in the chapel inside of the French Castle.
Vada Zoda walks across Bald Mountain in Old Forge, N.Y. on Nov. 12, 2022.
Pemaquid Lighthouse in Pemaquid, Maine on Aug. 4, 2024.
Kelly fishes in the Ohio River in downtown Maysville, K.Y. on Oct. 24, 2025.