“Do not approach“ - a wild animal was spotted in an Almaty yard

Tengrinews.kz — A video of a fox wandering through a courtyard near Al-Farabi Avenue has surfaced on Almaty social media. Tengrinews spoke with experts from the Ile-Alatau National Park to find out why foxes are entering the city and how to behave when encountering a wild animal.
How it all began
In the footage shared on social media, the fox is seen strolling through a yard near Al-Farabi Avenue. Based on the video, the animal appeared to be searching for food.












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Expert Insights
We reached out to the Ile-Alatau National Park press service for comment. Experts confirmed that the animal captured in the video is a red fox.

"The video shows a red fox (Vulpes vulpes). This species is common in our region and the outskirts of Almaty, widely distributed across the foothills and mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau. While they do not appear within city limits frequently, such cases occur periodically and are not considered exceptional," the national park noted.

According to specialists, one reason foxes enter the city is Almaty's proximity to their natural habitat. Furthermore, the animals are drawn by the availability of food.

"The main reason for these visits is that Almaty directly borders the natural habitats of wild animals. Foxes can enter the city via river valleys and green zones, and they are also attracted by accessible food sources—rodents, birds, food waste, and pet food," the experts shared.

Younger animals may also enter the city as they leave their usual habitats to explore and establish new territories.
What to Do if You Encounter a Fox
When encountering a fox, it is crucial to remember the risk of rabies. Wild animals can carry the disease, so even a calm-looking animal should not be petted or fed. Extra caution is required if the fox exhibits unusual behavior.
Ile-Alatau National Park experts advise:

do not approach the fox or attempt to catch or pet it;
do not feed the animal, even if it appears calm;
if the fox looks healthy and is moving away on its own, it is best to leave it alone;
if the animal behaves unusually—showing aggression, a lack of fear of humans, appearing disoriented, or having visible injuries—do not approach and report it to the relevant city services;
in the event of a bite or scratch, seek medical attention as soon as possible, as foxes are potential carriers of rabies.