In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, leading researcher at the I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Candidate of Biological Sciences Vitaliy Smagol explains why wild animals are increasingly entering cities and what dangers this poses to people and nature.
He emphasizes that despite the hostilities – explosions, shelling – animals adapt to the noise and retain the ability to survive if the threat is direct. However, the hunting ban has significantly increased predator populations: the number of foxes has multiplied several times, which has caused outbreaks of rabies among wild animals. Now this dangerous virus is recorded practically throughout Ukraine, so wild fauna, especially foxes, should be treated with caution.
The ubiquity of wild fauna within cities has become the new norm. Young animals – moose, wild boars, foxes – are gradually settling in the city outskirts, where they feel less threatened than in the forest.
The scientist also urges citizens to follow safety rules: do not touch animals, especially those behaving abnormally – this may be a sign of illness, and in such cases, it is advisable to contact the zoo, emergency services, or a special animal assistance service.