Wild animals thrive as environment improves

After studying the behavioral changes in wild animals caused by urbanization and human activities, Wang said the number of raccoon dogs, a native species in the wild, has risen in Shanghai due to the improved environment.

"Leftovers have become the new source of food for these animals, and instead of caves and tree stumps, they are now living in spaces under buildings and in abandoned sewage pipes," he said.

Wang added that the rising number of raccoon dogs in the city has also inevitably resulted in conflicts with local residents. For example, reports of clashes between the animals and domestic pets, especially dogs, have been commonplace in recent years.

Zhao Qianqian, a graduate student at the School of Life Sciences at Fudan University, who investigated the raccoon dogs at the Rosebush Country compound on June 6, said the animals were probably protecting their cubs when they confronted the dogs.

Conflicts between humans and small animals such as raccoon dogs are comparatively easy to handle, but when clashes occur between local residents and large animals, finding the right solution is more challenging.