Arctic fox going astray: Authorities are looking for Berlin's help!

Arctic fox going astray: Authorities are looking for Berlin's help!

On June 28, 2025, an unusual visitor was spotted in Berlin, specifically on Schulzendorfer Strasse: an arctic fox. This means that the animal is only around 15 kilometers away from its original habitat in Velten. The veterinary office reacted immediately and informed the responsible authorities in Berlin via the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Environment and Consumer Protection Stalk reported.

Another sighting of the arctic fox was reported in Berlin-Hermsdorf on June 30th. The authorities in Brandenburg and Berlin are now working hand in hand to organize a coordinated capture operation aimed at returning the arctic fox to its owner unharmed. In this context, citizens are asked to report sightings of the animal immediately.

Wildlife in urban areas

Wild animals like the arctic fox are a sign of the diverse nature that lives even in densely populated cities like Berlin and other cities and towns in our region. In this context, small changes in behavior when dealing with these animals are of great importance in order to promote harmonious coexistence. The FVA BW draws attention to the opportunities and challenges that arise from the coexistence of humans and wildlife, particularly when pollution or damage to gardens and vehicles occurs.

You should pay attention to the needs and behavior of wild animals. It is advisable to avoid offering food around houses and apartments and to keep curious young foxes away in good time. In the event of a chance encounter with a fox, an escape route should always be provided for the animal to avoid aggressive behavior. These references come from Berlin public order office.

Safety and animal husbandry issues

Anyone who keeps animals in the garden should definitely take precautionary measures: grids must be buried at least 50 cm deep, and a cover for the upper part is necessary so that foxes cannot climb over them. The mesh size of the grid should be a maximum of 4 cm to keep martens away. These measures not only help private animal owners, but also wildlife management in urban areas. The city hunters and wildlife officers are available to citizens as important contacts when it comes to solutions for conflict-free coexistence.

In Berlin, neither the fox tapeworm nor rabies have been detected in foxes, which is positive news for the population. However, caution should be exercised when interacting with these wild animals. A harmonious coexistence requires consideration and a certain degree of caution. The current situations surrounding arctic fox sightings clearly show how important it is to understand and respect the behavior and habits of wild animals.