Hungry wolves have been spotted at least ten times in the Moscow region alone since the start of autumn, sparking widespread panic and warnings of a growing "threat to people." Sightings have been logged across Taldom, Dmitrov, Serpukhov and Shatura, according to news outlet Life.ru.
Surge in sightings and attacks
Timur Usmanov, a member of the All-Russian Society for Nature Conservation, confirmed there has been an alarming increase in calls from residents. Horrifying encounters have also been recorded in the Leningrad, Tyumen, Sverdlovsk and Transbaikalia regions.
In one incident in Transbaikalia, a wolf ambushed a man outside his front door, sinking its teeth into his arm. The victim managed to fight for his life and killed the beast using a knife. In another report from the Leningrad district of Gatchina, a woman was forced to sprint for safety after being stalked by a wolf while out walking her dog.
Wolves target livestock and pets
In Kuban, pack animals entered the Starominsky district to attack livestock, while multiple wolves were caught prowling near residential buildings in Aramil, Sverdlovsk. Wildlife experts claim the beasts are creeping into populated areas in search of an easy meal after learning that human settlements provide easy prey.
The Leningrad Region Wildlife Committee explained that adult wolves are actively training their young pack members how to hunt, driving them closer to residential streets. Pet owners are now being warned to keep their animals locked indoors, as dogs left on leashes remain vulnerable to the predators.
Official guidance issued
Locals have also been warned to secure all food waste, as open rubbish helps acclimatise the wild beasts to human presence. Despite the spike in close encounters, wildlife authorities say it remains unclear whether the country is facing a full-blown national population explosion, noting that shifting prey locations and seasonal training routines often drive the movements.
Official guidance urges anyone coming face-to-face with a beast not to run or turn their back, but to back away slowly, raise their voice and use bags or sharp tools to fight off an aggressive attack.
