A rare and alarming wildlife incident has shaken southern Kazakhstan, where a jackal attacked children in a rural community in the Turkestan Region.

The predator wandered into a village and attacked two minors. A 4-year-old girl suffered bites to both legs and fingers, while a 15-year-old teenager was also injured in the attack, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

A 42-year-old man rushed to help the children, managing to fight off the animal, but was bitten in the process.

All victims were taken to a district hospital, where they received vaccinations. Doctors say their condition is stable, though the young girl remains under close medical supervision due to more severe injuries.

Experts note that such attacks are highly unusual for jackals. Possible causes include Rabies infection, protection of offspring, or food scarcity combined with increased animal populations.

Veterinary specialists have taken samples from the animal for analysis, with rabies currently suspected as a potential factor behind the aggressive behavior.