Maned Wolf Spotted in Southern Minas Gerais City Streets, Later Released

A female maned wolf was observed running through the streets of Santa Rita do Sapucaí, in the southern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, early on Thursday, May 30th. The unusual sighting occurred around 5 AM when an app driver, Daniel Filho, was on his way to pick up a passenger. He filmed the animal as it moved through the streets, passing by pedestrians heading to work. Filho initially felt concern for public safety but realized the wolf appeared more frightened than aggressive. He contacted the Municipal Guard, who, along with the Civil Defense and the city's veterinarian, located and captured the animal. The maned wolf, identified as a female approximately four years old, was found in a house on Rua Antônio Assis Longuinho. After a veterinary assessment confirmed she was in good health, she was safely returned to her natural habitat within a municipal reserve. Authorities advise the public to maintain distance from wild animals in urban areas, avoid approaching, touching, feeding, or attempting to capture them, and to secure children and pets. If a wild animal is not an immediate threat and is merely passing through, observation from a distance is recommended. However, for injured, trapped, or potentially dangerous animals, contacting the Fire Department or relevant environmental agencies is advised.