In Kamchatka, in the area of the Avacha pass, a drama unfolds that once again reminds of the fragility of wildlife and how easily a person can disrupt its natural course. While the European marmots, which have become a symbol of these places, are still sleeping in their snow shelters, Anadyr foxes are alive on the slopes of the volcano. These red-haired predators have long been favored by the pass, and, unfortunately, they too often encounter humans.
February is a time of love and fierce battles for foxes. Males fight for females, leaving evidence of their fights in the snow. The females choose the strongest, but even after the appearance of the puppies, the struggle does not subside – now for the right to participate in the upbringing of the offspring. For the first month and a half, the cubs feed on mother’s milk, and then both parents take care of them, staying together all summer.
Foxes are skilled hunters, whose diet is very diverse. Rodents form the basis of their diet, but they will not miss the opportunity to catch a hare or a bird. In summer, foxes diversify their menu with insects and berries. However, this idyll of wild nature is under threat due to the irresponsible behavior of people.
Increasingly, tourists and locals are feeding foxes without thinking about the consequences. It seems like a harmless gesture, but in fact it causes irreparable harm. Animals lose their hunting skills, become dependent on humans, get used to easy prey, and stop being afraid of humans. This can lead to tragic consequences for both foxes and humans. Wild animals can be carriers of dangerous diseases, and loss of fear of humans can provoke aggression.
It is important to remember that wildlife does not need our pity. Foxes are perfectly adapted to life in the harsh conditions of Kamchatka and are able to forage for themselves. By feeding them, we disrupt the natural balance, deprive animals of independence and endanger their future. It is necessary to raise people’s awareness about the inadmissibility of feeding wild animals and the importance of preserving their natural habitat. This is the only way we can preserve the unique nature of Kamchatka for future generations.