Lucky encounters with a fox took place among Italian tourists at the Altyn-Emel National Park
In a remarkable turn of events, a group of Italian tourists and their local guide, Natalia, experienced an unforgettable encounter while traversing Altyn-Emel National Park. The group stumbled upon a rare sighting of a fox, an animal seldom seen in this park, especially during daylight hours and at such close proximity[1].
Natalia, who has been working in the tourism industry for eight years, had never before witnessed a fox within the park's boundaries[1]. Typically, the park is home to common wildlife such as gazelles, kulans (wild asses), and hares. However, on this occasion, the fox was seen foraging for food after a rainstorm, investigating burrows, and navigating the muddy terrain that had been caused by the heavy rain[1].
The group's vehicles had to move slowly to avoid getting stuck in the mud, providing them with a unique opportunity to observe the fox's movements up close[1]. This unexpected encounter serves as a testament to the diverse wildlife found within Altyn-Emel National Park, although foxes remain a rarity for visitors to the area[1].
Despite unfavourable weather conditions that could have disrupted their plans, the group was fortunate enough to witness this rare moment in the wild[1]. The road to their destination had been washed out in places, transforming it into a challenging muddy track. However, the group persevered and reached their destination safely, having experienced a truly memorable encounter in the heart of Altyn-Emel National Park[1].
Natalia, having never witnessed a fox within the park's boundaries during her eight years as a tour guide, discovered that the park's diverse lifestyle extended to accommodating rare travelers like the fox. This uncommon encounter, made possible due to the rough travel conditions, showcased the fox's adaptability to the park's landscape, further enriching the group's travel experiences.
