Astana Resident’s TikTok Video Goes Viral Featuring Wild Hamsters
ASTANA – A recent TikTok video of a wild hamster spotted in Presidential Park in Kazakhstan’s capital has captured the hearts of many viewers. The footage of the charming hamster quickly went viral, sparking a mix of fascination and caution among viewers.
In an interview with Tengrinews, Alena Koshkina, a researcher at the Kazakhstan Association for Biodiversity Conservation, identified the hamster in the video as a European hamster (Cricetus cricetus). These hamsters are native to the Kazakh steppes and are known to inhabit various Eurasian cities, including Astana.
Despite the rapid decline of the species in the wild, European hamsters have established a relatively large population in Astana, with over 500 burrows counted just in the Presidential Park. Koshkina emphasized the solitary and territorial nature of these hamsters, stating that they can be aggressive towards other hamsters but pose no threat to humans unless provoked.
She also advised against feeding the hamsters, highlighting that they are wild animals capable of finding their own food. As winter approaches, residents may notice more hamsters as they diligently prepare for the colder months by stocking food in their burrows.
While the sight of a wild hamster in a city park may be a delightful surprise, Koshkina’s advice serves as a reminder to appreciate these creatures from a safe distance and respect their natural behavior in their urban habitat.
