Residents of Almaty have spotted a wild fox on Al-Farabi Avenue, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city. Video of the predator is quickly spreading on social media, reports infohub.kz.
The footage, showing the fox, was posted on the Instagram account barys_media. The caption says the animal was filmed on Al-Farabi Avenue.
As explained to NUR.KZ correspondent by the Ile-Alatau National Park, the video shows a red fox (Vulpes vulpes). "This is a common species for our region and the outskirts of Almaty, widely distributed in the foothills and mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau. Foxes do not appear in the city often, but such cases do happen from time to time and are not exceptional. The main reason for these visits is that Almaty directly borders natural habitats of wild animals," the National Park stated.
Specialists noted that foxes can enter the city along river valleys and green zones, and are attracted by accessible food sources such as rodents, birds, food waste, and pet food. Additionally, young animals often come into the city during dispersal periods.
"If the fox looks healthy and leaves on its own, there is no need to intervene—it is important not to approach it or try to feed it. However, it must be remembered that foxes can carry dangerous diseases common to animals and humans, including rabies. Therefore, if you notice any signs of unusual behavior—aggression, lack of fear of humans, disorientation, or injuries—you should report it to the appropriate city services," the National Park added.