Encountered a wild animal in the city. What to do?

Encountering a Wild Animal in the City. What to Do? In recent years, residents of Belarusian cities have increasingly encountered unusual "neighbors" – wild animals that, for various reasons, find themselves on streets, in courtyards, or even in parks. The reasons can be diverse: habitat loss, search for food, injuries, or illnesses. Regardless of the circumstances, the most important thing is not to panic and not to try to solve the problem yourself, especially if the animal behaves aggressively or appears sick. What to do if you encounter a wild animal? Maintain distance. Do not approach, attempt to feed, or pet the animal. Even an animal that looks harmless can be dangerous if it feels threatened. Do not frighten the animal. Loud shouts, sudden movements, or attempts to drive it away can provoke aggression. Immediately report the encounter to the duty service of the district emergency situations department by calling 101 (112) or to the operational duty service of the territorial internal affairs body. According to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus of April 11, 2019, No. 237, special commissions have been established in each district of the Vitebsk region to assist wild animals that are found to be sick, injured, traumatized, threatened with death due to natural disasters, or that may pose a threat to the life and health of citizens. Local commissions for providing assistance to wild animals coordinate the actions of specialists: veterinarians, gamekeepers, and rescuers. They will assess the situation and take necessary measures – from animal evacuation to its treatment or return to its natural habitat. What not to do? Do not attempt to catch or move a wild animal yourself. Do not feed wild animals. Remember: your safety and the animal's safety depend on the right actions. Promptly contacting specialists will help avoid unpleasant consequences and preserve the lives of the wild inhabitants of our nature.