Lone wolf has nearly transformed into an obedient puppy after it got used to passersby feeding it, and has even learned to wag its tail when it sees someone come by.
The wild animal has even ended up fat due to the frequent feeding by tourists and drivers who pass through Hoh Xil, in China’s north-western Qinghai Province.
Remarkable footage captured by locals shows the wolf’s incredible transformation from a skinny beast to almost a chubby pet.
In the videos, it can be seen happily running up to motorists who stopped by the road and immediately accepted whatever food they tossed its way.
One clip, shared on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, even shows it wagging its tail at the sight of a man stepping out of his car with some treats in hand.
While many users admired the newly-created bond between man and animal, others expressed concerns over the wolf’s drastic behavioural changes.
Many noted the wolf is no longer the independent, wild creature it used to be. Instead, it has learned to act cute to beg for food from passing vehicles.
Wildlife experts also pointed out that the natural ecosystem operates on a complex food chain, and the natural processes of birth, aging, illness, and death are essential.
They said Interfering with the natural laws of wildlife survival can have adverse consequences.
Qi Xinzhang, Deputy Director of Xining Wildlife Park and Deputy Director of Qinghai Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre, also expressed worries about this issue.
He emphasised that feeding should not be done casually, adding: “I want to believe in the kindness of those who feed the animals, but kindness needs rational support; otherwise, good intentions might lead to bad outcomes.”
His stance was also supported by Dai Qiang, a researcher from the Chengdu Institute of Biology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who has been conducting long-term research on wildlife such as giant pandas and wild wolves.
Dai Qiang holds a negative view on this practice and believes that such behaviour could lead to animals becoming dependent on humans, which could result in unpredictable consequences.
Dai pointed out that feeding wild animals may pose risks to the feeders themselves. Wild animals, especially injured ones, could carry disease-causing bacteria.
Wolves, being predators, may appear gentle, but there is no guarantee they will not be aggressive.
He added: “Unless it involves endangered species caused by human factors, artificial intervention is not recommended.”
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Story By: Simona Kitanovska, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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