In the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve of Qinghai province, a wild wolf has captured online attention due to its fluffy and round shape, a result of frequent feeding by passing tourists and drivers. The wolf, which was once bony in the wilderness, has now learned to wag its tail and expose its belly in an attempt to solicit food. Some netizens tease the wolf, saying that "it no longer wants to put efforts into hunting," but others express their concerns that this action may disrupt the natural order.

It is not uncommon for wild wolves to be fed along wild roads in Qinghai province and related videos have long been available on the Internet. In addition to wolves, wild animals such as brown bears have also been fed.

This phenomenon has caused concern among zoologists. Dai Qiang, a researcher at the Chengdu Institute of Biology, cited the risk of the wolf becoming overly dependent on humans, with potentially adverse consequences. Furthermore, human food often contains high levels of salt, which can easily pose health risks to wild animals. Last year, an orangutan at Shanghai Zoo died of multiple organ failure due to excessive feeding. In 2012, a golden monkey at Beijing Zoo died from a stomach lesion caused by human food.

Feeding wild animals might also bring risks to the feeders themselves. Wolves are predators after all, and their seemingly gentle appearance cannot guarantee they won't display aggression. Also, wild animals, especially injured ones, may carry pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, it's important for visitors to maintain a safe distance.

Currently, the Hoh Xil Forest Public Security Bureau has deployed additional police forces in key areas, promptly discouraging behaviors such as roadside parking and random feeding.

We want to believe in the kindness of the feeders, but kindness needs rational support; otherwise, good intentions might lead to negative consequences. It is not advisable for humans to arbitrarily intervene with the laws of nature. The current condition of this particular wolf does not require rescue; what it needs is for people to "stop feeding it". When encountering wild animals, "do not disturb" is the best protection.

Reporter Yan Yiqi

Intern Hu Jiani