Population Growth and Foraging

Population growth and foraging

Environmental expert Anna Polyantseva notes that encounters with wild animals near summer cottages and private homes are very uncommon, yet they continue to occur year after year. Many residents underestimate the risk posed by seemingly harmless wildlife.

Roughly speaking, in spring hedgehogs, foxes, wild boars, owls and mice often wander into human settlements. The influx stems from the forest not yet fully thawed and a reduced warmth and food supply in the nearby woodland, says the expert.

Veterinarian Ekaterina Baldrueva adds that early spring depletes the sebum reserves of animals. Dirt and mud prevent replenishment of these stores, making hunting difficult for predators and scavengers alike.

Baldrueva explains that food is scarce for both herbivores and carnivores in spring. In the face of hunger, many animals scour for carrion, and weakened creatures frequently appear near human habitation in search of nutrition.

Zoo engineer Anastasia Kalinina observes that squirrels roam across fields in search of sustenance, rabbits chew on the bark of young trees, and roe deer feed on fruit-tree branches. Residential buildings attract smaller rodents, which in turn draw in predators from the mustelid family such as weasels and martens. These predators pose particular danger when poultry or rabbits are nearby.

Polyantseva further notes that foxes and raccoon dogs are common visitors and tend to be bolder around people. Exposed trash and compost piles act as lures, especially if poultry is present. Foxes often prey on cats, she adds.

As soil warms, venomous snakes can also enter inhabited areas. Vipers and other serpents are attracted by small mammals and the mud and grass that invite them to forage.

Spring also brings deer, wolves and bears into the vicinity of human activity, according to Alexei Grushko, a host, farmer and blogger on the Village in the Moscow Region channel. While deer are seen more frequently, wolves and bears are less common and usually appear only as incidental intruders near their natural habitats.

The impulse to forage is not solely about hunger. Grushko points out that population growth in many species during the pandemic has driven animals to stray toward humans in search of food. When foresters and rangers do not feed wildlife, animals often seek sustenance from people. Deer may lick salt off icy roads, and rabbits nibble on apple trees in fields, especially when food is scarce under snow cover.

Meanwhile, foxes are particularly drawn to inhabited areas because of readily available prey such as birds. Ferrets share a similar appetite, but Grushko notes they are often driven by hunger as much as instinct, sometimes resulting in poultry predation.

Spring also brings risks for domestic birds as migratory birds and fledglings appear near human activity. Aziz Alekberov, a veterinarian, warns that well-meaning people sometimes pick up young birds or chicks that have just learned to fly or have just fallen from the nest. The veterinary perspective highlights that returning a chick to its parents is usually the best course of action; attempts to “save” the birds at home frequently lead to the birds’ death because proper care and feeding are rarely possible for laypersons.

In practice, touching or moving the young birds should be avoided unless visible injuries are present. Parents are often nearby, and the chicks will be cared for in their natural environment. A helpful approach is to consult an ornithologist if there is any doubt about the correct course of action for a bird or chick.

According to Baldrueva, there is a strict timeframe for returning captured fledglings to their habitat. If a person takes a bird, the bird legally belongs to the finder after a brief window, but professional guidance remains essential to determine the proper next steps. An ornithologist can assist in deciding the bird’s future fate.

Why are wild animals dangerous?

Baldrueva and Alekberov emphasize that wild animals typically avoid human contact unless they are tired, sick, or provoked. Ordinary encounters should be approached with caution, as calm, calm, and distant behavior minimizes risk.

Rabies remains a serious concern. Rabid animals can lose their natural fear of humans and display uncharacteristic behavior, making bites and scratches possible even from animals that would normally flee. The risk is not limited to one species; rabies has appeared in beavers, badgers, squirrels, martens, wild cats, and various rodents, underscoring the broad scope of the threat.

Wild animals may carry fleas and other parasites. Bringing them home can complicate life for pets and children alike. Pet owners in private homes should ensure rabies vaccination and routine parasite control for their animals to reduce the risk of transmission.

Grushko notes that springtime breeding can heighten aggression in wildlife due to hormonal changes. Wild boars, for example, are inherently strong and can be dangerous when encountered. If a boar closes in, seeking shelter behind a tree may not provide safety. The wildlife expert stresses respect for the animal’s space and a clear plan to remove people from danger zones.

The main message remains: give wild animals space. Sudden movement or attempts to chase them away can provoke unpredictable reactions. A calm approach and distance reduce the likelihood of an incident.

What to do if a wild animal appears in the area

Health professionals advise a simple, practical protocol: do not touch the animal, do not attempt to drive it away, protect children and pets, and contact emergency services for professional guidance. Experts also remind residents not to take aggressive actions or attempt to handle the situation alone.

Wildlife professionals warn against personal attempts to remove animals or to use poisons, as poisoned bait could harm pets or the local ecosystem. Firearms and hunting in populated areas are typically illegal without proper licensing and justification. In rural regions, any hunting requires appropriate authorization and compliance with local laws. The same caution applies to handling venomous snakes; simply disturbing them can escalate risk. Clearing garbage and mowing lawns helps reduce attractants that draw wildlife close to homes.

If a wildlife professional is unavailable, residents can contact official environmental authorities for support. In cases of aggressive or dangerous animal behavior, law enforcement may intervene, and officers may act under applicable regulations to mitigate threats to public safety. If a wild animal body is found, the proper authorities should be notified for examination to assess rabies or other concerns, ensuring community health remains protected.