October 10, 2025
PHNOM PENH – A recent spate of attacks on Battambang villagers by golden jackals was attributed to increased human interactions caused by floodwaters.
At least four of the animals were killed after they entered villages in Moung Ruessei district and bit three people.
District police chief Sar Kimlong, speaking on Thursday, October 9, explained that three people suffered minor injuries in separate incidents between October 6 and 8, after a pack of jackals entered their respective villages.
“It’s okay — the three victims only suffered minor injuries,” he said.
“As of today, we haven’t received any new reports of attacks. It is over,” he added.
The Moung Ruessei district administration also issued a warning about the animals on October 8.
“The reason the jackals fled into the villages,” officials explained, “was because floodwaters from nearby rivers rose sharply and submerged their natural habitats, forcing them to seek shelter near human settlements”.
Local residents killed four jackals in total — one each in Ream Kon village in Kea commune, Tuol Ta Thon in Chrey commune, Pralay Smao in Ta Laos commune and Tuol Prom II in Kakoh commune.
District authorities warned villagers to remain cautious, especially the parents of small children, advising them not to let kids wander alone and to avoid contact with jackals, which could be dangerous.
The Conservation International Cambodia organisation noted that during the flood season, wild animals may move closer to human communities in search of safe ground or to escape rising waters.
“Please stay alert, avoid direct contact and help keep both people and wildlife safe — so we can all live in harmony with nature. Thank you for your kindness,” it appealed.
The golden jackal (Canis aureus) is listed on the IUCN Red List as a species of least concern. It typically inhabits lowlands and flooded forests.
According to WWF-Cambodia, the continued presence of jackals in the wild is a positive ecological sign, reflecting a healthy and diverse ecosystem. As mid-sized carnivores, jackals help maintain natural balance by controlling small animal populations and cleaning up the environment.