On May 16 after 8:00 a.m., a resident of Bolesławiec called our editorial office asking for help. A young roe deer jumped onto his property on Okrzei Street in Bolesławiec. The animal injured itself while jumping over the fence and was bleeding. The reader called 112, Klekusiowo, the Municipal Police, the City Office and, finally, the County Office, where he was sent back to the City Office.

About half an hour after we began investigating the matter, a veterinarian collected the young roe deer. It had a torn hoof; the veterinarian assured us that he would treat the animal and release it.

Once emotions had subsided, it turned out that the reader’s wife had asked us to write in the article that a female official from the County Office had dealt with the matter and had been very kind. The City Office also informed us that its Department of Public Procurement and Municipal Investments had reported the matter to a veterinarian. Mieczysław Żuraw from Klekusiowo said that the city has a veterinarian whom it pays and that he should have dealt with the injured animal. The commander of the Municipal Police replied by email, explaining what had happened.

Regarding the report made on May 16, 2023, from Okrzei Street, which reached our unit after 8:00 a.m., the duty officer first asked the caller to open the gates and wickets so that the animal could try to leave the property on its own. Since this did not work, the duty officer of the Municipal Police in Bolesławiec notified a veterinarian, who arrived at the scene and took care of the animal.

At the same time, I would like to note that during the telephone conversation, the caller said that he had reported the matter to the Police much earlier, after 6:00 a.m. According to his account, the report was not accepted, which is why he notified the Municipal Police, where he received the necessary assistance.

Kamila Chalewicz-Pudłowska, commander of the Municipal Police in Bolesławiec

Wild animal: what should you do?

Wild animals such as foxes, wild boar, roe deer and moose are increasingly being seen on the outskirts of large cities, and sometimes even in their very centers. They prefer undeveloped areas with bushes, thickets and the sparsely wooded outskirts of residential estates. This is the result of the urbanization of areas previously inhabited by animals and easy access to food.

If you witness wild animals appearing in the city, take a photograph. Remember that you can pass this information on to the Municipal Police anonymously. The services should respond, because wild animals in the city generally pose a danger to road traffic and pedestrians.

Rules for dealing with wild animals:

  • remain calm and keep a safe distance from the animal,
  • do not feed it,
  • do not touch it,
  • do not frighten or scare it away,
  • do not set a dog on it,
  • do not shout.

Who should you notify?

If you feel threatened, notify the County Crisis Management Center in Bolesławiec (tel. 75 735 18 50, 51; 24-hour tel.: +48 533 900 112) or the Municipal Police, tel. 75 644 79 90, mobile 505 186 457, or the Bolesławiec City Office (during office hours, tel. 75 645 65 04).

In emergency road incidents involving animals, notify the Police or Fire Service (outside the hours and on days when the Municipal Police in Bolesławiec is not working); they will contact the appropriate veterinary clinic.

If you are bitten by a wild animal, report the incident to the State Sanitary Inspectorate (tel. 75 732 3246–47) and the County Veterinary Inspectorate (tel. 75 730 10 86).

A dead animal found on a road administered by the City Office should be reported to the Municipal Housing Management Facility in Bolesławiec, tel. 75 644 09 01, or the Municipal Utilities Management Facility Ltd. in Bolesławiec, tel. 75 734 62 71, mobile 727 400 200. It will be disposed of at the expense of the Municipality of Bolesławiec.

Remember:

  • your intervention can help save animals’ lives.
  • you help shape appropriate attitudes toward animals.

How does Bolesławiec deal with wild animals?

The Municipality of Bolesławiec, aware of the presence of wild animals within the city, has been taking measures for many years to limit wild-animal populations. Interventions are undertaken in response to reports sent to the Bolesławiec City Office and the Municipal Police. Captured animals undergo medical examinations, are treated if necessary, and are then released at a location far enough from Bolesławiec to prevent them from returning to the city.

WWF Polska, which works to promote the coexistence of people with protected and endangered animal species, as well as to protect valuable natural areas, has prepared a guide on what to do in unusual situations, including when a wild animal appears in the city.