Elk Rescued from Pond in Yaroslavl Oblast

In the Nekouz District of Yaroslavl Oblast, near the village of Oktyabr, an elk was found that had fallen into a pond.

«The elk fell into the pond while crossing it. Residents pulled him out of the water. He has been lying in the snow for three days. People wrapped him up as best they could. They called everywhere. No one is solving this problem. The elk cannot get up,» described the situation on social networks by Yaroslavl volunteer Alla Volkova.

After appeals from local residents, state hunting inspectors and veterinary service specialists joined the situation.

«Currently, in the village of Oktyabr, veterinary service specialists and a state hunting inspector are working. The animal»s condition is stable, but it cannot be left in the village, as the unfamiliar environment leads to excessive stress on its nervous system, and constant contact with people can cause chronic stress in the animal, which, among other things, weakens the immune system and prevents self-recovery,« commented the Ministry of Natural Resources of Yaroslavl Oblast.

The region lacks rehabilitation centers for elks, and transporting the animal by car over a long distance is highly likely to lead to its death due to psychophysiological shock.

«After inspection by a specialist, it is planned to take the elk to its natural habitat, where a special platform will be made for it, and they will observe, provide veterinary assistance for recovery, and supply food until it strengthens,» reported the ministry.

Up-to-date information on the elk«s condition will appear on the ministry»s official page on the social network VKontakte.

Specialists add that when finding a wild animal in need of help, it is necessary to call the unified emergency response number 112.