Foxes Spotted on the Streets of St. Petersburg Due to Severe Cold

Due to severe frost, foxes have been spotted on the streets of St. Petersburg as the animals come into the city in search of food. According to the press service of the governor's office, these animals do not pose a threat to the residents of St. Petersburg, as the presence of hunger indicates the absence of rabies in the animal.

"With the onset of cold weather, residents of St. Petersburg have begun to notice wild animals in the city streets. Experts note that the smell of food, access to household waste, or rodents like mice may attract the foxes. It is important to remember that a fox is a wild animal; it is unnecessary to try to feed or attract its attention, as this can frighten the animal and provoke aggressive behavior," the press service stated.

As explained to TASS by Nikolay Akhmatovich, head of the department for the protection and regulation of wildlife objects in the city’s wildlife management committee, the behavior of a fox can distinguish a healthy animal from one suffering from rabies. A healthy fox will try to hide from humans, will not exhibit aggression at first, but will also not be friendly towards human behavior. An animal with rabies will neither eat nor drink.