Russians like to remind foreign visitors that, contrary to legend, bears do not walk the streets of Moscow.
But as several commuters discovered Friday morning, wild boar are a different matter.
Frightened pedestrians heading to work in the western suburb of Krylatskoe reported four of the fearsome pigs on Ulitsa Akademika Pavlova at about 7 a.m. Friday morning, Vesti TV reported.
Alarmed witnesses said the four large black boar ran up and down a row of houses several times before disappearing into a nearby woodland.
Wild boar are not rare in Russia, but this is the first time they have been spotted in the area since large scale construction in preparation for the 1980 Olympics over 30 years ago, Itar-Tass reported.
Environmentalists said the boar probably entered the suburb via a neck of forest between the Moscow Ring Road and Rublyovskoye Shosse, and were likely foraging for acorns amongst the local park's many oak trees.
And representatives of the district's environmental services department said the migration of boars into the city is evidence of extensive damage to the woodlands around Moscow by residential construction, the news agency reported.
The forests along Rublyovskoye Shosse host several exclusive dacha communities, and land in the area is rated some of the most expensive in the country.
See also:
Air Conditioners, Fountains Cause Illness, Chief Doctor Says
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.