Zoologist names reasons for atypical predator behavior in 2026
In Ukraine, the appearance of foxes in cities is becoming increasingly common. The animals not only enter residential areas but also behave significantly bolder than before. The reason lies not only in the expansion of cities but also in changes in animal behavior due to the war and the hunting ban.
This was discussed in an interview with RBC-Ukraine by zoologist, Antarctic expedition participant, and project manager for “Rare Species” at the World Wildlife Fund WWF-Ukraine Igor Diky.
Read also: A fox went hunting in the Carpathians: rare video from a camera trap
Why animals are increasingly appearing in cities
According to the expert, one of the main reasons is the expansion of cities and the reduction of natural habitats.
“The urban ecosystem is expanding – we are building cities, and animals have nowhere to retreat. Some ecologically flexible species, like foxes, badgers, and martens, are starting to adapt to life near humans,” Diky explains.
This means we are not talking about an “anomaly,” but rather about adaptation – some species are learning to survive alongside humans.
How the war changed fox behavior
A separate factor is the full-scale war and the associated hunting ban. According to the zoologist, the current generation of foxes has grown up under different conditions. Previously, the scent of humans signified danger, but now that connection has disappeared.
“Those foxes born during the war are not afraid of humans because, for them, humans do not equate to death,” the expert notes.
Previously, animals instinctively avoided humans because it was associated with the risk of being shot. Now that experience is absent, and behavior is changing.
Why you shouldn’t feed wild animals
The expert emphasizes that the appearance of animals in cities also reflects human responsibility.
The most common mistake is feeding. It seems safe but has consequences.
Firstly, animals become accustomed to easy food and lose the skills to forage independently. Secondly, they begin to interact more frequently with humans. Additionally, wild animals can carry infections, so it is important to maintain distance.
Is a complete hunting ban possible?
Recently, a petition for a complete hunting ban appeared in Ukraine. However, according to Diky, this issue does not have a simple solution.
He explains that hunting is not only about harvesting but also about population management systems.
There are hunters who:
- care for the ecosystem,
- conduct biotechnical activities,
- feed animals,
- control populations.
At the same time, there are poachers who are not concerned about the consequences.
“They are only interested in the process – the act of hunting an animal, not whether the population will recover,” the expert says.
That is why, according to him, a complete hunting ban does not work – this is confirmed by both European and global experience.
What will change next
According to the zoologist, the key task is to find a balance between nature conservation and animal population regulation.
Hunting should occur:
- within the law,
- without harming populations,
- considering the ecosystem.
What this means for people
Encounters with wild animals in cities may become more frequent. But this does not mean they are safe or “tame.” The main rule is to not interact with them and not interfere with their behavior.
After all, changes in the wild are a consequence not only of the war but also of how humans interact with the environment.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that due to the hunting ban in Ukraine, the population of wild animals, particularly foxes, has sharply increased, leading to the spread of dangerous diseases, primarily rabies. Experts warn that the situation poses a threat to both people and animals, and effective population control remains crucial for managing predators.
For instance, a fox cub recently entered a store in Lviv.
