This trend is not unique to Shanghai. Wild animals are increasingly moving into cities across China. Species such as wild boars, leopard cats, civets and otters are now frequently found in urban environments. Experts attribute this shift to the completion of major urban construction projects, which have allowed local ecosystems to recover and become more hospitable to wildlife.

As in Shanghai, there are teams in cities such as Beijing and Nanjing in Jiangsu province, among others, conducting research on the urbanization of wildlife.

"This requires both research and management, which is something that must be done for the civilized management of megacities, regardless of people's perceptions of a particular wild animal, its size, or its level of cuteness," Wang said.

Wang's team is leading a multiyear national initiative involving 10 research groups to study how wild animals like raccoon dogs, squirrels and hedgehogs adapt to city life. A critical component of the project is the development of oral vaccines to prevent the spread of animal-borne diseases. The team plans to launch a pilot program in Shanghai's Songjiang district, where they will distribute these vaccines in the environment for animals to find and consume.

"Through community co-management, government involvement and vaccine development, we aim to clarify the relationship between humans and wildlife. Shanghai's approach in this is scientific and civilized, and quite advanced on an international level," he said.

zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn