Unusual rodent caught on video in Astana
"Well-fed hamster" - video
The surprising encounter was shared by an Astana resident named Gulzhazira on social media. According to her, the sighting occurred yesterday, September 27.
"I saw this well-fed hamster on the embankment behind the Pyramid. I thought someone's pet had escaped. ChatGPT says there are many of them in Astana. It's the first time I've seen a hamster in the city," the video's creator said.
The clip has reached more than 40,000 views. Netizens began guessing what animal appeared in the frame. Many suggested it was a "karbysh"—a wild hamster that is sometimes found near residential buildings.
"It's a karbysh. It looks cute, but it can be quite aggressive. So it's best not to get close."
"It's a wild hamster, a karbysh. They can be found in Astana even near houses."
"About two years ago, a girl from Astana also filmed a hamster like this and was looking for its owners. She thought someone had abandoned it."
Expert Commentary
To identify the animal filmed by the resident, we reached out to theriologist Aleksey Grachev. He explained that the video captured a European hamster (common hamster), which, according to him, is listed as "Critically Endangered" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
"The video shows a common hamster. While it is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, it is a fairly common animal here. It even inhabits the center of Astana," said Aleksey Grachev, Head of the Theriology Laboratory at the Institute of Zoology.
The theriologist urged people not to touch wild hamsters, noting that they can carry parasites and various infections.
"Common hamsters can host dozens of parasite species, including helminths, protozoa, fleas, and ticks. There is also evidence that these animals can carry pathogens for several diseases dangerous to humans, such as encephalitis, leptospirosis, rabies, and other infections," the expert noted.
Experts urge the public not to touch wild animals, attempt to catch them, or take them home. Furthermore, people should not try to domesticate or hand-feed them. Upon encountering such a creature, it is best to keep a distance, avoid making noise, and allow it to return to its natural habitat on its own.